Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
Intensely fragrant.
- Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
- Height: 4-6’
- Spread: 4-7’
- Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Fall Color: Red
- Bloom Color: White
Why we Love it:
Koreanspice Viburnum offers multi-season interest. Distinctive red buds precede highly fragrant Spring flowers. Come Fall, the shrub is adorned in red again as the leaves turn color.
The flowers alone are a great reason to plant Koreanspice Viburnum. Oft-enjoyed for their delightful fragrance, they provide great visual interest as well. The blooms are clustered into showy balls. They typically mature from pink to white and sometimes maintain a pink tinge.
Koreanspice Viburnum is a relatively low maintenance and slow growing shrub. Additionally, it has been recognized by the University of Wisconsin Extension as showing resistance to Viburnum Leaf Beetle.
Know Before You Plant:
Rabbits have been known to chew on this variety, so appropriate protection may be needed. The best time to prune Koreanspice Viburnum is immediately after flowering.
As you choose a location to plant, keep in mind two things: fragrance and salt. Consider where you will best be able to enjoy the fragrance in Spring – whether that is near an open window or in a garden bed with a small sitting area. Make sure you also choose a location where it is safe from salt. Koreanspice Viburnum produces buds without scales and is thus susceptible to salt spray injury.
Where It Thrives:
Koreanspice Viburnum can be used as a specimen, in a shrub border, or as a foundation plant. It tolerates a range of soil types so long as they are well-drained; it will not tolerate standing water. Plant in full sun for the best flowering.
