Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum

Viburnum carlesii 'Spiro' PP24,251

Plants that Work®

Spice Girl Viburnum Bursts with Intoxicating Fragrance in Spring
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 6-7 ft Tall and Wide
Showy White Blooms in Late Spring
Excellent Hedge or Foundation Planting

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #3 Container 1-2 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade, ensuring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it tolerates partial shade, more sun encourages a denser habit and a more prolific display of those fragrant blooms.
Soil: This Viburnum prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil that holds some moisture but never stays soggy. If you are dealing with heavy clay, amend the planting site with organic compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water deeply and regularly—about once a week—to help the root system establish itself. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, but consistent moisture during hot, dry spells is key to maintaining healthy foliage and ensuring a good flower set for the following year. Inconsistent watering can lead to stress and reduced blooming.

Pruning Tips

Spice Girl® blooms on old wood, meaning the flower buds form the summer before they open. To avoid cutting off next year's show, prune immediately after flowering in late spring. You can shape the shrub lightly or remove any dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation, which helps keep the plant healthy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this can push soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Proven Winners® Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum

Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum PP#24,25 (Viburnum carlesii 'Spiro') is a Proven Winners® selection that brings an intoxicating scent and outstanding spring color to the garden! This deciduous shrub is beloved for its clusters of blush-pink buds that open into snowy white, spicy-sweet flowers in mid to late spring. The blooms emerge on bare branches before the leaves fully unfurl, creating a show-stopping display of floral charm!

Known for its exceptional fragrance, this cultivar is a refined and compact form of the species, reaching about 6-7 feet tall and wide, making it easier to include in your garden! Spice Girl® has an upright, rounded form with dense branching and attractive, leathery dark green leaves that turn shades of wine-red to burgundy in fall.

Flowers give way to small, red berries that mature to black in late summer if a pollinator Viburnum carlesii is nearby. Spice Girl® takes the cake with its superior fragrance and form!

Key Features

Extremely fragrant white blooms with pink buds in mid-spring
Upright, rounded form with deep green leaves and red fall color
Pollinator-friendly; may produce berries with another V. carlesii nearby
Wine-red to burgundy fall color
Deer-resistant and low-maintenance
Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8
Compact Proven Winners® selection

Landscaping Uses

This upright, deciduous Viburnum variety reaches about 6-7 feet tall and wide, making it a versatile, mid-sized anchor for the garden.

Plant as a fragrant hedge or privacy screen!
Add to cottage gardens, meditation gardens, or sensory gardens
Add to mixed shrub borders for seasonal color
Perfect specimen near patios or windows where the scent can be enjoyed
Use as a foundation plant for structure and interest

Care and Maintenance

Native to Korea and Japan, Korean Spice Viburnum are treasured not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its resilience. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, Spice Girl® tolerates urban conditions and adapts well to various soil types. It's deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and low maintenance—an ideal choice for Ma Nature's ever-changing moods.

This is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves in fall, but comes back reliably each spring with vigor and bloom. It is tough, deer-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and easy to care for.

Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is ideal
Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade (best flowering in full sun)
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, and average garden soil
Moisture Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Mulch: A 3–4 inch deep layer of shredded bark or arborist mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilization Needs: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Pruning Info: Blooms on old wood – prune right after flowering if shaping is needed
Renewal Pruning: Every few years, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems at ground level to rejuvenate and encourage new growth
Special Needs/Perks:

Deer and rabbit-resistant
Pollution tolerant
Resists pests and disease
Handles urban conditions

Pollination Needs: To produce fruit, another Viburnum carlesii or compatible cultivar nearby is needed

Spice Up Your Garden With Spice Girl®

If your garden lacks that showstopping, fragrant shrub that makes neighbors stop and ask, "What is that smell?"—Proven Winners® Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum is the answer. With unmatched spring bloom, a compact form, and easygoing nature, she's a knockout in every sense.

Order now from Nature Hills Nursery and we'll ship her straight to your door at the proper planting time for your growing zone.

Botanical Name

Viburnum carlesii 'Spiro' PP24,251
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

carlesii
Cultivar

Spiro
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

6-7 ft
Width

6-7 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Red, Purple
Fall Color

Red
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum grow at maturity?

Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum reaches 6-7 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact, rounded form makes it ideal for smaller gardens where space is limited. Plant it where you have room for its full spread to showcase its fragrant spring blooms.

What are the planting zones for Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum in different climates?

Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum thrives in USDA Zones 4-8, handling both cold winters and moderate heat. This makes it suitable for most temperate climates across the continental US. Shop at Nature Hills for this cold-hardy, adaptable shrub.

Does Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum tolerate cold winters in zone 4?

Yes, Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zone 4 and tolerates cold winters well. This resilient shrub is specifically bred to withstand temperatures down to -30°F. Plant it in a protected location for best results in the coldest areas of Zone 4.

What are the basic care requirements for Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum, like soil and watering?

Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8 and adapts well to urban conditions. This low-maintenance shrub prefers well-draining soil and regular watering during establishment. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best flowering and fall color development.

How much sun or shade does Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum need for best growth?

Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering and fragrance. This hardy shrub (zones 4-8) produces the most abundant blooms in full sun locations. Plant in morning sun with afternoon protection in hotter climates for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Is Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum deer-resistant, and what about pests?

Yes, Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum is deer-resistant and generally low-maintenance with few pest issues. This hardy shrub's resilience makes it suitable for urban conditions in USDA Zones 4-8. Plant it confidently in areas where deer browse, as they typically avoid this fragrant variety.

Will Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum produce berries, and does it need a pollinator?

Spice Girl® produces small red berries that turn black in late summer, but only when another Viburnum carlesii is planted nearby for cross-pollination. Without a pollinator, you'll still get the spectacular fragrant blooms but no fruit. Plant another Korean Spice Viburnum variety within 50 feet for berry production.

Can Spice Girl® Korean Spice Viburnum be used as a hedge, and what is the recommended spacing?

Yes, Spice Girl® makes an excellent fragrant hedge, reaching 6-7 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact Proven Winners® selection works well in USDA Zones 4-8 for privacy screening. Space plants 4-5 feet apart for a dense hedge that will fill in nicely.