The American Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) is a deciduous shrub known for its attractive white spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and brilliant fall foliage. A favorite among gardeners for its ornamental beauty and edible fruit, the American Highbush Cranberry produces tart, red berries that are perfect for making jams, jellies, sauces, and even as an ingredient in savory dishes. This hardy shrub also offers wildlife benefits, attracting birds and pollinators. With 20 seeds in this pack, you can grow your own highbush cranberries and enjoy the beauty and practicality of this native shrub in your landscape.

Key Features:

• Attractive White Flowers: In spring, the American Highbush Cranberry produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers, adding ornamental value to any garden.
• Edible Red Berries: The shrub produces tart red berries in the fall that can be harvested for culinary use in jams, jellies, and sauces.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The berries attract birds, and the shrub provides valuable cover and food for wildlife.
• Seasonal Interest: This shrub offers year-round interest, from its spring flowers to its fall fruit and vibrant red or purple foliage in autumn.
• Hardy and Low Maintenance: Tolerant of a variety of conditions, this hardy shrub is low-maintenance and thrives in most garden settings.

Growing Information:

Light:
American Highbush Cranberry thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best berry production, plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some shade, it will produce more fruit when planted in a sunny spot.

Soil:
This shrub prefers well-draining, moist, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It adapts to a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay-based soils. However, it performs best when planted in fertile, rich soil that retains some moisture.

Planting Tips:
Plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date for an early start, or sow them directly outdoors after the last frost. For indoor planting, use a seed-starting mix and lightly cover the seeds with soil. Keep the soil moist and provide warmth for germination, which may take several weeks. Once seedlings are established and the weather is warm, transplant them outdoors in a sunny spot with enough space for growth. Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room to spread.

Watering:
Water the American Highbush Cranberry regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. However, ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging, which could harm the roots. Once established, the shrub is relatively drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular watering during the growing season.

Temperature:
The American Highbush Cranberry is hardy in USDA Zones 2-7, meaning it can withstand cold temperatures and thrive in colder climates. It is frost-hardy and can handle some winter chill, making it suitable for northern gardens.

Benefits:

• Edible Fruit: The red berries are tart but edible, perfect for making cranberry-related products like jams, jellies, or sauces. They also make great additions to baked goods or as a garnish.
• Wildlife Habitat: The shrub provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, supporting local ecosystems.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Beautiful in all seasons, from spring flowers to fall fruit and foliage. The red berries are especially attractive when the leaves change color in autumn.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the American Highbush Cranberry requires minimal care and maintenance, making it a perfect addition to any garden, whether ornamental or functional.

Growing Zones:
American Highbush Cranberry thrives in USDA Zones 2-7. This cold-hardy shrub is perfect for gardeners in cooler climates, offering both beauty and functionality in a variety of settings.

How to Use in the Garden:

• As a Hedge or Screen: American Highbush Cranberry grows into a bushy, multi-stemmed shrub that can be used as a privacy hedge or screen. It provides a natural barrier and seasonal interest, with flowers in the spring and fruit in the fall.
• Wildlife Garden: Planting this shrub in a wildlife-friendly garden will attract birds, pollinators, and other beneficial creatures. It is a great choice for native plant gardens, helping support local ecosystems.
• Edible Landscaping: Incorporate this shrub into an edible landscape where you can enjoy the visual appeal of its flowers and berries, along with the added benefit of its edible fruit.
• Mixed Border: Combine with other native plants or shrubs to create a diverse and attractive landscape that changes throughout the seasons.

Conclusion:
The American Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) is an excellent shrub that combines beauty, functionality, and wildlife value. With its showy white flowers, vibrant red berries, and colorful fall foliage, it offers year-round interest. Its edible berries make it a versatile addition to gardens, perfect for jams, jellies, and sauces. Whether used as a hedge, in a wildlife garden, or as part of an edible landscape, this hardy shrub is a wonderful, low-maintenance plant for a variety of garden types. Enjoy both the aesthetic and culinary benefits of this native shrub with the 20 seeds provided in this pack.