Wentworth High-Bush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum ‘Wentworth’) is a selected cultivar of the native American Highbush Cranberry, known for its hardiness, heavy berry production, and year-round ornamental appeal. This deciduous shrub produces clusters of bright white flowers in spring, followed by brilliant red berries that persist through winter, adding striking color to gardens and providing food for birds.
The ‘Wentworth’ cultivar is prized for its compact, rounded form, vibrant fall foliage, and reliable fruit set. Perfect for hedges, windbreaks, or naturalized plantings, it thrives in cold climates and moist, well-drained soil. This Non-GMO, wildlife-friendly shrub brings color, texture, and ecological value to any landscape.
Features
- Abundant white spring flowers and bright red berries
- Non-GMO and highly cold-tolerant (USDA zones 2–7)
- Dense, rounded shrub ideal for borders and hedges
- Provides food and habitat for birds and pollinators
- Vibrant fall foliage adds seasonal beauty
- Adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Viburnum trilobum ‘Wentworth’
- Common Name: Wentworth High-Bush Cranberry
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Growth Height: 8–12 feet
- Spread: 6–10 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–7
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam or clay; tolerates neutral to slightly acidic soils
- Bloom Season: Late spring (May–June)
- Fruit Season: Late summer to winter
- Flower Color: White
- Fruit Color: Bright red clusters
- Foliage: Green in summer, red to orange in fall
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Planting Season: Spring or fall
- Sowing Depth: ¼ inch
- Germination Time: 60–120 days (cold stratification recommended 90–120 days)
- Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers moist, consistent conditions
- Maintenance: Prune lightly after flowering; remove old or crossing branches
- Wildlife Benefits: Attracts pollinators and provides berries for birds
- Uses: Ornamental hedges, wildlife gardens, pollinator habitats, windbreaks
Planting Guide
- Cold Stratify: Chill seeds in moist medium for 90–120 days before planting.
- Prepare Soil: Choose a moist, well-drained site enriched with compost.
- Sow Seeds: Plant ¼ inch deep and water gently.
- Light: Full sun produces best flowering and fruiting.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment.
- Spacing: Space plants 6–10 feet apart for hedge or border plantings.
- Maintenance: Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape and airflow.
