Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  American Compact Cranberrybush

Description:

A very attractive garden detail shrub which is covered in clusters of pure white pinwheel flowers in spring, red fruit and good red fall color, golden stems; denser and more compact than the species, hardy and adaptable, makes a great natural low hedge

Ornamental Features

Compact American Cranberry features showy white lacecap flowers held atop the branches in late spring. It features an abundance of magnificent scarlet berries from late summer to late winter. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges brick red in spring. The serrated lobed leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall. The smooth gray bark and gold branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The small round sour berries are most often used in the following ways:

• Preserves

Landscape Attributes

Compact American Cranberry is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Compact American Cranberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Compact American Cranberry will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.