September’s Garden Gem: Viburnum opulus 'Compactum'
As the garden shifts into its autumn mood, Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ steps up as a true seasonal highlight. This compact form of the native guelder rose offers a wonderful combination of elegant structure, subtle seasonal change, and standout berry displays, making it a fantastic choice for smaller gardens or more curated planting schemes.
This deciduous shrub grows to around 1.5 metres tall and wide, with a naturally rounded, tidy habit. In spring, it produces flat-topped clusters of white flowers, followed by deep green, maple-like leaves that turn rich shades of red and purple as temperatures cool.
But it’s in early autumn that the real show begins when clusters of translucent red berries appear, like bright jewels hanging among the fading foliage, catching the light and drawing the eye.
These berries aren’t just beautiful, they’re also a valuable source of food for birds, helping support local wildlife.
In summary, Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ is easy to grow in sun or partial shade and tolerant of a range of soils. This compact guelder rose is a versatile and rewarding shrub for the seasonal transition.
