Guelder Rose
Viburnum opulus
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Pl. DEC1 — Viburnum opulus
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IOverview
Overview
Guelder Rose, scientifically known as Viburnum opulus, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in moist to wet conditions across Europe and parts of Asia. Native to regions such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more, it has been cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. The plant's fruit is edible and can be used in various culinary applications. Medicinally, Guelder Rose has a long history of use, particularly for treating muscle-tension-related sleep issues, with traditional remedies employing the bark to alleviate cramps and improve sleep quality. One distinctive feature of this versatile plant is its ability to adapt to a range of soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils, making it a resilient addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Guelder Rose?
Guelder Rose, scientifically known as Viburnum opulus, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in moist to wet conditions across Europe and parts of Asia. Native to regions such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more, it has been cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
What is Guelder Rose used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Guelder Rose
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: cramp bark for muscle-tension-driven sleep disruption (back / leg cramps).
Viopudial + scopoletin antispasmodic
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Wet Soil Tonic
immunetincture
Used in traditional herbalism for immune support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Guelder Rose thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types. It prefers a pH range of 5.2 to 7. This plant is hardy in zones 3-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. For optimal growth, place Guelder Rose in full sun to partial shade with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Propagate through cuttings or layering. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil does not become waterlogged.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-8
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
5.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.2–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Guelder Rose for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Guelder Rose to enjoy its natural beauty and benefits.
- 1
What you'll need
Guelder Rose saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soils with sand for better drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings from containers into your garden. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially in dry periods. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a healthy shape. Harvest fruits for culinary use when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Guelder Rose's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruits are often used to make jams, jellies, and pies due to their sweet taste. They can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:DyeHedgerowInkLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Czechoslovakia, Altay, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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