Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
Koreanspice Viburnums (vi-BUR-nums), also called Fragrant Viburnums, are among the best of these shrubs to plant for fragrance in a home landscape. These easily grown shrubs produce masses of attractive, powerfully scented flowers in mid-spring. The scent is evident 30 feet away. Use Koreanspice viburnums in a shrub border, with broadleaf evergreens, or as groupings.
Size: Koreanspice viburnums are medium-sized shrubs that usually grow from 4 to 5 feet high and 4 to 8 feet across. They may be pruned lightly to keep them more compact.
Foliage: The leaves are dull green, toothed and hairy. They are from 1 to 4 inches long and about half as wide, and are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the stems.
Flowers and Fruit: Koreanspice viburnums create a spectacular effect from late April to early May, when they are in full bloom with domed clusters of flowers 3 inches across. The "semi-snowball" blossoms are pink when in bud, open to white, and are delightfully fragrant. In late August or early September, red berries appear, then ripen to black, but they are not very noticeable, as they are hidden by foliage and quickly eaten by birds.
Koreanspice Viburnum Choices
'Compacta': Dwarf form of the species, with a very compact growth habit, less fragrant flowers, darker green foliage. Also look for the standard size plant, Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii).
For more information see file on Selecting Shrubs
Planting Koreanspice Viburnum
The Right Place
Koreanspice viburnums grow well in zones 5 to 8, which includes much of the U.S., except the very coldest parts of the country, where low temperatures go below -10° to –20° F, and our warmest areas, such as Florida and southern Texas.
Koreanspice viburnums grow best in full sun or with 2 or 3 hours a day of light to medium shade. They prefer a well-drained soil that is a bit acid (pH range 6.0 to 7.5) and slightly moist.
Using Koreanspice Viburnum
Koreanspice Viburnums are full, rounded shrubs which are especially attractive in a shrub grouping, as a specimen or as a foundation planting near a walkway, where their scent may be appreciated. They may also be planted next to evergreens such as hemlocks or spruces, which make a handsome backdrop for the white masses of flowers.
Cutting For Inside Display: Cut stems of Koreanspice viburnum flowers for indoor arrangements just as the blossoms begin to open. For more information see the files on Keeping Cut Flowers and Cut Flower Supplies
