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shrub

Koreanspice Viburnum

Viburnum carlesii

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Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) at Westwood Gardens

Koreanspice Viburnum in bloom

Koreanspice Viburnum in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) at Westwood Gardens

Koreanspice Viburnum flowers

Koreanspice Viburnum flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) at Westwood Gardens

Koreanspice Viburnum in fall

Koreanspice Viburnum in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  6 feet

Spread:  5 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5a

Other Names:  Korean Spice

Description:

Among the most fragrant of all shrubs, covered in intoxicatingly sweet-smelling ball-shaped clusters of pinkish-white flowers in early spring, plant where the fragrance can be enjoyed, tidy the rest of the year; makes a beautiful accent specimen

Ornamental Features

Koreanspice Viburnum is smothered in stunning balls of fragrant white flowers at the ends of the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive cherry red flower buds. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The heart-shaped leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall. The black fruits are held in clusters from late summer to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Koreanspice Viburnum 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 is a relatively low maintenance shrub, 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.

Koreanspice Viburnum is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Koreanspice Viburnum will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow 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 may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Screening  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Fall Color  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features