What hardiness zones is Viburnum carlesii suitable for?

Viburnum carlesii is Korean spice viburnum, a compact mounding deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m) wide. Deep pink buds opening to white tubular flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in dense hemispherical clusters 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in April-May. Strongly fragrant (sweet clove-like spicy scent — the source of 'spice viburnum'). Dull grayish-green softly pubescent (downy) ovate opposite leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Turns red to purple in fall. In Adoxaceae. Native to Korea and Japan. Named for William Richard Carles. Parent species of V. × burkwoodii and V. × carlcephalum. Bacterial leaf spot can cause defoliation in humid summers with poor air circulation — this is the primary disease concern. The dull grayish-green foliage with a downy texture is visually unremarkable when not in bloom or fall color. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry conditions. Grafted specimens may produce rootstock suckers that should be removed. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.

Native Range

Native to Korea and Japan. Found in open woodlands and forest edges.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen shrub, foundation plant, near entries and walkways (for fragrance), and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m). Strong spicy fragrance. Compact size. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by deep pink buds opening to white strongly fragrant (clove-spice) flowers in hemispherical clusters on a compact mounding deciduous shrub with dull grayish-green softly downy opposite leaves. The strong spicy fragrance and the downy grayish-green leaves are diagnostic. Distinguished from V. × burkwoodii (taller, semi-evergreen, glossy leaves). In Adoxaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'

Width/Spread4' - 7'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Mid to late spring (April-May). Deep pink buds opening to white flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in dense hemispherical clusters 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Strongly fragrant (sweet clove-like spicy). 3 weeks on old wood. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Sparse red-to-black berries sometimes follow.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White from deep pink buds, tubular opening to flat 5-lobed corolla, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), in dense hemispherical clusters 2-3 inches (5-7 cm); strongly fragrant (sweet clove-like spicy scent — the source of 'spice viburnum')

Foliage Description

Dull grayish-green, simple, ovate, opposite, softly pubescent (downy), 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), irregularly serrated; turns red to purple in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry conditions. Bacterial leaf spot in humid summers — space for air circulation. Remove rootstock suckers on grafted specimens. Blooms on old wood — prune after flowering (May-June). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (May-June) — blooms on old wood. Shape lightly if needed. Remove 1/3 of oldest stems at the base for renewal if the plant becomes open. Remove rootstock suckers on grafted plants. Do not prune in late winter (removes flower buds).

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic