The ‘Bailey Plant’ is the ‘Bailey Compact’ American Cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum ‘Bailey Compact’), a popular deciduous shrub. This cultivar offers aesthetic appeal for various landscape designs due to its manageable size and multi-season interest. It is a resilient and adaptable choice for outdoor spaces.
Understanding the Bailey Plant
The ‘Bailey Compact’ American Cranberrybush is a dense, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching 5 to 6 feet in height and spread. Its compact, rounded growth makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a foundation plant. The foliage features dark green, three-lobed leaves that emerge with a slight red edge in spring, transitioning to vibrant shades of orange and deep red in the fall.
In late spring, the plant produces showy, white, flat-topped flower clusters, often described as lacecap flowers. These are followed by abundant scarlet berries that mature from late summer and persist into winter. While primarily ornamental, the small, sour berries are edible for preserves and attract birds. The smooth gray bark and golden branches offer additional visual interest, especially during the dormant season.
Planting and Establishing
Successful establishment of the ‘Bailey Compact’ American Cranberrybush requires proper site selection. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and fruit production. The shrub adapts well to various soil types and is not particular about soil pH, though well-drained, moist soil is preferred to prevent root issues.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with excavated soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Applying a three-inch layer of mulch over the root zone helps retain soil moisture and improve soil quality.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, the ‘Bailey Compact’ American Cranberrybush requires moderate, consistent moisture. Regular watering is important during hot, dry periods, with a guideline of 1-2 inches of water every 7-10 days. Water deeply and occasionally, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the foliage extensively to help prevent leaf diseases.
For fertilization, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio, in early spring before new growth emerges. A second application can be made in late spring or early summer for continued healthy development. This shrub is generally low-maintenance, but monitor for signs of underwatering (wilting leaves) or overwatering (yellowing leaves and stunted growth). Proper watering and nutrition contribute to the plant’s overall health and vigor.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning the ‘Bailey Compact’ American Cranberrybush maintains its shape, promotes bushiness, and removes dead, diseased, or rubbing branches. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. This timing is important because the plant blooms on old wood, meaning next year’s flower buds form on the previous year’s growth.
To prune, thin out older stems by removing up to one-third of the shrub, cutting them to the ground. This renewal pruning encourages new, vigorous growth from the base. You can also head back branches to control size and encourage denser growth. Avoid heavy pruning if you prefer the plant to reach its full natural size, and always use clean, sharp tools to ensure clean cuts and prevent disease transmission.
Common Pests, Diseases, and Problems
The ‘Bailey Compact’ American Cranberrybush is generally robust, but can encounter issues. Common fungal diseases include powdery mildew, appearing as white or grayish growth on leaves, and various leaf spots, manifesting as irregular brown or black lesions. While often aesthetic concerns, improving air circulation through proper spacing and pruning can help prevent these issues.
Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils, leading to wilting and branch dieback; well-drained soil is important for prevention. Other issues include cankers, causing wilting and dieback of branches, especially on stressed plants. Prompt removal of affected parts and maintaining plant health through proper care are effective management strategies. Although viburnum leaf beetles concern other varieties, the ‘Bailey Compact’ is generally not a preferred host.