Viburnum opulus 'Aureum'

RHS Plant Profile
guelder rose 'Aureum'
guelder rose 'Aureum' RHS

Synonyms

Viburnum aureum

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A vigorous, bushy deciduous shrub about 2-3m tall, with maple-like, 3-lobed, bright yellow leaves and flat clusters of small white flowers surrounded by larger sterile flowers, in early summer, followed by red berries

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Suitable for shrub border or woodland garen. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, best in part shade as leaves may scorch in hot sun. See viburnum cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1 after flowering unless fruit is required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot