How big does Guelder rose grow?

About 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 3–5 m × 2.5–4.5 m.

What soil does Guelder rose grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Guelder rose hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Guelder rose toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Guelder rose be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Guelder rose be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 2 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2 plants per metre.

How much water does Guelder rose need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Guelder rose cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €170 in local shops, depending on size.

Guelder rose

Viburnum opulus

Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) is a shrub that reaches 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Guelder rose — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A fast-growing, large native shrub with lobed, maple-like leaves, flat white lacecap flowers in May and June, red autumn foliage and glossy red berries that hang on into winter and feed the birds. It is happiest in moist, fresh soil and even puts up with wet, occasionally flooded ground, which makes it a good choice for a natural hedge, a spot near water or a wildlife garden. It struggles in hot, dry places, and it needs room because it also spreads by suckers.

Watch out for

Viburnum leaf beetle larvae in late spring and the adult beetles in late summer chew the leaves to lace, and guelder rose is among the most susceptible species: repeated defoliation year after year weakens the shrub and in bad cases can kill it. In winter cut off and destroy shoot tips showing rows of small capped egg pits, and pick off larvae in spring. Black aphids regularly curl the shoot tips. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage scorches and drops early without watering.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	3–5 m × 2.5–4.5 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Harvest	September–October
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €14
30-40 cm	approx. €15
40-60 cm	approx. €15
100-120 cm	approx. €53
175-200 cm	approx. €170
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €32

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Hedge plants Plants for screening Shrubs for pollinators Flowering shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

Compare with similar plants

Guelder rose vs Japanese snowball Guelder rose vs Mock orange Guelder rose vs Ninebark

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