Korean Spice Viburnum
Viburnum carlesii
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Fall Color/Interest, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts pollinators, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 7b |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Clay, Loamy, Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Bushy |
| Blooms In | Spring |
| Flower Color | Pink, White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Amazing fragrant flowers, this customer favorite and best seller for good reason, the lovely Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), also known as Koreanspice, is a wonderfully fragrant, deciduous shrub. If you had to pick only one shrub to plant in your yard, Korean Spice Viburnum would be that shrub. You'll fall for the ornamental flowers and heavenly scent.
Korean Spice Viburnum is a charming shrub in every way. In spring, petite pink buds unfurl their delicate petals to reveal pink-tinted blossoms that slowly transition to white. Waxy, red flower buds open to white blooms clusters around the same time as your spring-flowering bulbs put on their show.
These 3-inch floral snowballs are sure to turn your head every time you step outside when they are in bloom. Their spicy scent will draw you closer and be an irresistible call to hummingbirds and butterflies so early in the season. Korean Spice is one of the most popular, best-selling plants because of its incredible spicy flowers that exude such an intoxicating fragrance. To date, nobody has been able to successfully recreate that sweet and spicy scent in a candle or spray.
Korean Spice's 4-inch, dark green leaves provide a lush, verdant appearance in your yard. They add a dash of spicy red and purple fall color that lasts and lasts until late in the season. This fine-textured shrub looks great all growing season long.
This Viburnum also has an upright, open-branching nature, so it looks great in winter, too. Add another cultivar like Spice Baby™ Korean Spice as a cross-pollination partner. Your local songbirds will appreciate having the red berries that turn nearly black in autumn. You'll like adding a bit of extra interest to this exceptional, ornamental shrub.
Planting and Application:
You'll find many places to add the compact, rounded Korean Spice Viburnum to your landscape. Use it throughout all of your landscape plantings to weave a common thread of light pink and white flowers, great summer foliage, and outstanding fall color.
You'll have to grow your own and relish the spring bloom time. Korean Spice is a plant that belongs right below your kitchen window, outside of your family room, at your front entrance and along the patio.
Korean Spice Viburnum is a fantastic backdrop to your perennial garden or in a mixed shorter shrub border. These compact shrubs can make handsome foundation plantings. They are just the right size to use as a low-privacy screen along the back of your patio seating area. Heavenly!
Include a few as specimens in your mixed shrub borders or repeat them across the back of your perennial beds as a dramatic backdrop. You'll want to cut some of the sweet pink flower buds for cut flower arrangements. Enjoy watching them open in the vase. Even the fall fruit looks great in bouquets!
Use a hedge of them in full sun or part shade to screen out short, ugly views like the neighbor's garbage cans or to hide your air conditioning unit. Plant several 2 ½-3 feet apart on center, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next. You'll create a small, fragrant hedge with a nice, rounded form, with very little pruning.
- Waxy Red Buds Open to Light Pink Fragrant Spring Blooms
- Butterfly Magnet & Incredibly Fragrant Shrub
- Beautiful Leathery Leaves are Small & Fine-Textured
- Lovely Branch Structure
- Gorgeous Wine-Red and Purple Fall Color
- Beautiful Screens, Hedges & Specimens & Scented Privacy
#ProPlantTips for Care:
Deciduous Korean Spice will adapt to almost any soil type, as long as it drains after a rain event. It's easily grown in average, well-drained soil. If you see puddles that last a long time after a rain shower, bring in additional soil and mound it up to 18 inches. Plant directly in that mound. Top off with a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to hold in moisture and insulate the roots.
Give young plants a moderate amount of moisture on a regular basis to establish them in your landscape. After the first seasons, they can tolerate short periods of drought. However, it is best to keep your Viburnum healthy and stress-free by adding water when needed to the soil. Juglone from Walnut trees doesn't affect these hardy shrubs as badly as others!
Wait to prune until after those amazing flowers are finished in spring. It's rare to need to tip prune, but you can shorten up the ends of branches right after flowering if you'd like. You can also skip tip pruning and renewal prune only if you wish to have fruit for birds. Renewal prune removes the largest, thickest stems from the ground every few years. This will rejuvenate your shrub. Leave the young stems in place, which will flower nicely for you next spring.
Korean Spice has no significant disease or insect issues. It's a good source of food and cover for wildlife, but deer tend to pass it by. It adapts well to a wide variety of environmental climates.
- Full Sun & Part Shade
- Moderate Moisture & Appreciates Mulch
- Widely Adaptable Any Well-Drained Soil
- Insect & Disease Resistant
- Deer Tend to Leave It Alone
- Blooms on Old Wood - Prune Immediately After Flowering
Spicy flowers and fragrance on a beautiful, hardy shrub, Korean Spice Viburnum seems to have it all! Order this amazing plant and perfume your landscape! It's so easy to care for and offers so much.
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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My #3 Korean Spice Viburnum was securely packed and arrived in great shape. It was almost three foot tall and had beautifully scented blooms. It did very well during the transplanting process. Very happy with my purchase.
Hi there!
We are so excited for you and your purchase of the Korean Spice Viburnum! It's wonderful to hear that it arrived securely and in great shape. We take great care in packing our plants to ensure they arrive healthy and happy.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. As a growing tip, we recommend planting your Viburnum in well-drained soil and providing it with regular water and fertilizer for optimal growth.
Happy gardening!
Arrived healthy in a sturdy box. Growing well, looks great.
Korean Spice Viburnum is such a rewarding shrub to get established, and it sounds like yours is off to a strong start. Once it really settles in, that fragrance in spring is something else. Thanks for letting us know it arrived in good shape, Thomas.
Early, but all good. Cannot wait until next year.
Korean Spice Viburnum has a way of building anticipation like that. Once it settles in and blooms, the fragrance alone makes it worth the wait. Thanks for sharing the early update, James.
The Viburnum arrived in perfect condition. For the price, I was expecting a bare root plant, but this one arrived beautifully potted and packed, and full of life. I am so impressed, and I'll be back!
A well-rooted, potted plant ready to go is always a better start than bare root, and Korean Spice Viburnum rewards that early vigor with some genuinely spectacular spring fragrance down the road. Glad the packaging held up through shipping. We look forward to seeing you again, Ian.
I would like to get this plant, or a refund, but I was charged, and per UPS it never was received for shipping. I have tried in vain to get a customer service person, but the emails are responded to with "it's spring, were busy" form letter, and phone calls go unanswered and drop. Worst customer service ever.
This plant arrived well packed and in excellent shape. Thank you!
Korean Spice Viburnum is a great choice, and it's good to hear it made the trip in solid condition. These shrubs tend to settle in quickly when they arrive healthy, so you're off to a good start. Thanks for the note, Valerie. The Nature Hills team
Regardless of saying deer tend to leave it alone...I disagree..Last spring I had beautiful flowers all over..I go out and check on my spring things coming up...guess what..Deer tromped in my big flower bed..and broke off every branch...I only have 1 tiny cluster of flower buds gonna open..Very upset...by the deer doing this...so don't go exactly by the statement deer tend to leave it alone.
Dear Mabel,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your honest feedback and are sorry to hear that the deer have caused such frustration in your beautiful flower bed. While certain plants generally tend to be less appealing to deer, those graceful creatures can be unpredictable, especially when food sources are scarce or during peak growing seasons.
To help protect your plants, you might consider some deterrents such as physical barriers like fencing, or applying non-toxic deer repellents that emit scents deer tend to avoid. We've also found that planting strongly scented herbs or incorporating a mix of deer-resistant varieties around tender plants can sometimes divert their attention.
If you'd like, our team would be happy to recommend some alternatives or additional protective measures tailored to your garden’s environment to help keep pleasing blooms coming. Please feel free to reach out anytime!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
The plant has arrived huge and healthy. It is planted. Thank you, Nature HIlls!
Dear EA,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your plant arrived huge and healthy and that it’s already settling into its new home beautifully. Healthy starts make all the difference, and it’s great to know we hit the mark for you.
If you ever have questions about caring for your new plant, whether it’s watering, pruning, or ensuring optimal growth through the seasons, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your garden flourishing every step of the way!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I ordered a Korean spice viburnum. It was well packaged and beautifully shaped and about two feet of plant. Would order again.
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Korean spice viburnum! We’re thrilled to hear that it arrived well-packaged and beautifully shaped, and that you’re happy with the size of the plant. Knowing that you’re satisfied means a lot to us, and we’d be delighted to help you find another fantastic addition for your garden whenever you’re ready to order again.
If you ever have any questions about caring for your viburnum or need tips on planting and maintenance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also offer helpful guides and resources on our website that might enrich your gardening experience.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I ordered a Korean spice viburnum. It was well packaged and beautifully shaped and about two feet of plant. Would order again.
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Korean spice viburnum arrived healthy, beautifully shaped, and well-packaged. Knowing that you’re pleased with both the quality and size means a lot to us. When you decide to add more plants to your garden, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d be happy to recommend varieties that complement your viburnum perfectly or help answer any gardening questions you have.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Great packaging. Thorough instructions. Beautiful, healthy plant. Thank you.
Hi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you’re happy with the packaging, instructions, and most of all, your beautiful, healthy plant. It’s our goal to make every plant arrival a joy, and knowing we hit the mark for you truly means a lot.
If you ever have any questions about caring for your new addition or need tips for keeping it thriving, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help and support you on your gardening journey.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Great packaging. Thorough instructions. Beautiful, healthy plant. Thank you.
Hi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that the packaging met your expectations and that the instructions helped you get started with your beautiful, healthy new plant. It means a lot to us knowing that you’re enjoying your purchase.
If you ever have any questions or need tips to help your plant thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here and happy to help you nurture your green space.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
This is my second order from Nature Hills but it won’t be the last!! Both orders were great. Well packaged, arrived in perfect condition. Large, well leafed out healthy plants. I have to say they actually exceeded my expectations.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that your second order from Nature Hills not only met but exceeded your expectations. It means a lot to us that our plants arrived healthy, large, and well-packaged — we take great care to ensure every plant reaches you in perfect condition. Your continued trust brightens our day and motivates us to keep delivering the best quality for your garden.
If you ever need tips on care or ideas for your next planting adventure, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your growing enthusiasm and help your garden thrive.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
So far so good
Hi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're delighted to hear that things are going well so far! If you have any questions or need advice as your plants grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to support you. Also, feel free to explore our planting guides and care tips on our website to make your gardening journey even smoother.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
This is my second order from Nature Hills but it won’t be the last!! Both orders were great. Well packaged, arrived in perfect condition. Large, well leafed out healthy plants. I have to say they actually exceeded my expectations.
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with NatureHills.com! We’re delighted to hear that your second order exceeded your expectations with large, healthy, and well-packaged plants arriving in perfect condition. It’s always our goal to provide plants that inspire and thrive in your garden, and your kind words truly motivate us to keep delivering the best.
If you ever have questions about caring for your plants or want recommendations for your next addition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to continue supporting your gardening journey and help you create a beautiful, flourishing environment.
Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists
Already in bloom!!! Love it
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing your excitement about your Korean spice viburnum already being in bloom! We’re delighted to hear it’s bringing such vibrant beauty to your space.
If you ever want tips on caring for your viburnum, such as pruning advice or how to encourage the best fragrance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help make sure your plant continues to thrive and bring joy throughout the seasons.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
So far so good
Hello Guest,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback! We're delighted to hear that everything is going well so far with your purchase. If you have any questions or need guidance as your plants grow, please don't hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help you cultivate a thriving garden.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Already in bloom!!! Love it
Dear Bonnie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your Korean Spice Viburnum is already blooming and bringing joy to your garden. These lovely shrubs truly make a vibrant and fragrant addition outdoor spaces. If you ever need tips on pruning or seasonal care to keep it thriving year after year, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help.
Enjoy your blossoming beauty!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
Can this be grown in a pot? I’d like to grow it on my east-facing balcony.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for contacting Nature Hills Customer Support and for asking a great question! That is a wonderful idea, and yes, you can absolutely grow a Korean Spice Viburnum successfully in a container. Your east-facing balcony is actually an ideal location, providing the gentle morning sun necessary for those fragrant blooms while offering crucial protection from scorching afternoon heat. To ensure it thrives long-term, start with a large container at least 18 to 24 inches wide with excellent drainage holes, and use a quality potting mix rather than heavy garden soil. Keep in mind that potted shrubs rely entirely on you for moisture and dry out quickly in summer, so check the soil frequently and water deeply whenever the top few inches feel dry, giving it a boost with a slow-release shrub fertilizer once in early spring. Finally, because roots in pots are more vulnerable to freezing than those in the ground, you will need to provide some winter protection by moving the pot against a sheltered wall or insulating it during the coldest months.
Thank you - Nature Hills Customer Support
