Korean Spice Viburnum
Best fragrant shrub for reliable garden beauty.
The Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is a fragrant shrub celebrated for its captivating sweet scent and clusters of white flowers that emerge from pink buds in spring. Its thick, oval leaves provide a striking display, turning shades of red-purple and burgundy in the fall. The plant produces bright red berries that mature to black, adding further visual interest. Reaching a mature size of 4-6 feet tall and wide, it's ideal for placement near living areas to fully appreciate its aroma. This versatile shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and is a beautiful addition to any landscape, offering consistent beauty and structure throughout the seasons.
$83.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1635
/ 2688
#1635 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+113%
Above average
Sun Exposure
Sun, Part Sun/Shade
/ Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a highly aromatic shrub for sensory appeal
- Homeowners desiring a plant offering visual interest throughout the year
- Busy gardeners or beginners wanting a low-maintenance, dependable landscape plant
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in areas prone to viburnum leaf beetle infestations
- Individuals with very small gardens or limited planting areas
- Impatient gardeners expecting rapid growth for immediate landscape impact
Performance breakdown
Fragrance Intensity
Unrivaled sweet aroma makes it a standout for patio placement.
Seasonal Versatility
Provides year-round interest from spring blooms to deep autumn foliage.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws bees and butterflies to your garden throughout spring.
Landscape Adaptability
Thrives in diverse soil types and varying light conditions with ease.
Maintenance Requirements
Consistent growth habits minimize the need for frequent, intensive pruning.
Hardiness Resilience
Robust enough to withstand harsh winters across a wide climate range.
Key Specs
Sun Exposure
Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Bloom Time
Spring
Soil Conditions
Normal, Clay/Heavy, Wet
Fall Color
Burgundy/Purple, Red
Flower Color
White, Pink
Fruit Color
Red
Mature Plant Size (H x W)
4-6' x 4-6'
Attracts Bees
Features
- Captivating Fragrance
- Striking Fall Color
- Attracts Pollinators
- Cut Flower
- Walnut Toxicity Resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Korean Spice Viburnum for its exceptional quality upon arrival and reliable establishment in various garden settings. Many reviewers highlight the plant's robust health and vigorous growth, often exceeding expectations. The delightful, spicy fragrance of its blooms is a frequently mentioned highlight, adding significant sensory appeal. Gardeners appreciate its consistent performance and the beauty it brings to their landscapes, making it a highly satisfying addition.
Know before you buy
Because the fragrance is one of its most celebrated features, place this shrub near patios, entryways, or windows where you spend time outdoors. This ensures you can fully appreciate the sweet scent when it blooms in the spring.
The Korean Spice Viburnum reaches a mature size of 4 to 6 feet in both height and width. You should plant it at least 4 feet away from structures or other plants to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Yes, this variety is quite versatile and is capable of thriving in normal, clay, or heavy soil conditions. It is a resilient choice if your landscape has less-than-ideal drainage.
Absolutely. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Additionally, the berries that appear later in the season can provide a food source for local birds.
Yes, the Korean Spice Viburnum is resistant to walnut toxicity. This makes it a safe and reliable option for landscapes that feature black walnut trees, which often inhibit the growth of other sensitive plants.
As the season transitions, the foliage turns into a striking display of deep reds, purples, and burgundies. It provides excellent visual interest in the landscape long after the spring blooms have faded.
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