European Cranberrybush (Viburnum Opulus) 20 seeds (#677)

European cranberrybush is a wonderful deciduous shrub that develops a pleasing round, mounded habit when mature. Its attractive, medium green leaves are maple-like in appearance and turn brilliant hues of yellow, red and dark purple in fall. Many flat clusters of white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by berry-like fruits that turn bright red in fall.
Fruit edible raw or cooked. The fruit is up to 8.5mm in diameter but with a large seed. A sour taste, it is best cooked. The crushed fruit has an unpleasant smell. Used as a cranberry substitute in making, jellies, preserves etc. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity at top of the page.
The best fruiting occurs in full sun, but European viburnum can also take part shade, and likes moist soil with average drainage. This shrub can be used in shrub borders, for a screens, hedges, or as foundation plants. (Info sources: pfaf.org; Learn2Grow.com)

Genus - Viburnum
Species - Opulus
Common name - European Cranberrybush
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 8
Height - 8-15' / 2,40 - 4,60 m
Spread - 10-15' / 3 - 4,60 m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
Bloom season - Late Spring, Early Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
2. Sow seeds so they are just covered or nestled among soil particles in a seed tray. Use a peat-based potting mix that drains well and remains moist. Or, incorporate sand into the peat mix to create a moist, well-draining, fine-particle soil.
3. Place the seedling tray in a brightly lit (not baking in direct sun) garden location, greenhouse or indoor room where the temperature hovers around 68F (+20C) for a period of three months. Keep the soil moist, but never wet/soggy. This is a "warm season stratification".
4. Relocate the seedling tray to the cold frame outdoors (or a refrigerator) where the temperature hovers around +1-+3C for three to five months. Keep the soil barely moist.
5. Remove from the cold stratification area and again place the seedling tray into a warm, bright location where the temperature is around +18-+20C degrees. Keep the tray exposed to this warm environment for three to six months. Look for any germinating seeds. If none is seen, repeat the process again.
Info source: eHow.com