Viburnum carlesii
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (5) · fruit (5) · bark (5) · habit (5) · other (5)

Viburnum carlesii

Koreanspice viburnum · Korean spice viburnum

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: moderate Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–6
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
523
Observations
1,817

Description

Source: leafsnap

Viburnum carlesii, commonly known as Korean spice viburnum, is a deciduous shrub in the Adoxaceae family. Native to Korea and Japan, it is widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. This shrub typically reaches up to 6 feet in height and width, featuring a dense, rounded form. The leaves of Viburnum carlesii are dark green and glossy, ovate in shape with serrated edges, contributing to their appealing look. In early spring, the plant blooms with clusters of pinkish-white flowers that emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of cloves or cinnamon. The fruit of Viburnum carlesii is an oval-shaped drupe that changes from green to red as it ripens. Each fruit contains one seed within its fleshy pulp, attracting birds. Korean spice viburnum thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun given adequate moisture. While it needs regular watering during dry periods, it can withstand short droughts once established. Several cultivars of Viburnum carlesii are available, such as 'Aurora,' 'Cayuga,' 'Compacta,' and 'Diana.' These varieties differ in traits like size, flower color, and foliage texture, making the plant versatile for various landscaping purposes. Overall, Viburnum carlesii is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an ornamental shrub with fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. Its versatility makes it suitable for different landscape designs, from hedges and borders to mixed borders and foundation plantings. This makes it one of the most popular viburnums grown today.

🌳 Koreanspice viburnum is important in ornamental horticulture and also provides ecological benefits by supporting pollinators. Its dense foliage offers shelter to wildlife, and its fragrant flowers serve as a dependable nectar source for key pollinators like butterflies and bees.

🎭 Tied, Heavenly Thoughts, Boredom

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Koreanspice viburnum, which originates from regions with moderate moisture, thrives in evenly moist soil and requires watering every 1-2 weeks. Typically cultivated outdoors, this plant enters a dormant phase during colder months, which reduces its water needs and highlights its adaptability throughout the seasons.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
How should I water Koreanspice viburnum?

Soaker hoses are a great way to keep leaves and flowers moisturized without getting the entire plant wet. To use a soaker hose, lay it around the plant and leave it on for about 30 to 45 minutes until the soil is moist but not too wet. Another option is to use drip feeders to retain moisture throughout the day. When watering potted Korean spice viburnum plants, a watering can is recommended. Water the plants until you see the water dripping down the bottom of the pot. Using a portable watering can helps reach the soil and allows the water to penetrate the roots for better growth.

What should I do if I give too much/not enough water to Koreanspice viburnum?

If you have overwatered your Koreanspice viburnum and want to prevent further damage, here are some steps to follow. Koreanspice viburnums are hardy plants and have a good chance of surviving. Allow the plant to dry out by discontinuing watering. These plants do not tolerate sitting in water for prolonged periods, so aerating the soil can be helpful. Symptoms of overwatering include the premature falling of yellow leaves, fewer flowers, and misshapen buds. In more severe cases, the leaves may become wilted and brown. Over time, overwatering can lead to root rot. On the other hand, symptoms of underwatering can be similar. Wilting of the plant can indicate underwatering. To check the moisture level of the soil, stick your finger into it. If it feels too dry, that is a sign of dehydration. If you suspect underwatering, consider watering the plant in the evening. Always check the moisture level of the soil and follow a regular watering schedule, preferably in the morning.

How frequently should I water Koreanspice viburnum?

To ensure the proper hydration of your Koreanspice viburnum, it is recommended to water it deeply two to three times a week. In hotter climates, it may require more frequent watering. This plant has moderate water needs and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. A useful tip is to assess the soil's moisture level by feeling it. If the top 2-4 inches are dry, then it may be time to water. When planted outdoors, watering the Koreanspice viburnum 1-2 times a week should suffice, as it receives additional moisture from the environment, particularly from rainfall.

How much water does my Koreanspice viburnum require?

The amount of water needed can vary depending on factors like weather, shade, and the species of plant. For example, the Koreanspice viburnum, which you recently planted, will require more water than established plants. In general, watering them with a can of water each week should be sufficient, especially during the growing season and if they are in pots. When they are outdoors, you can use moisture meters to measure how much rain they are receiving. If the soil is dry, use a sprinkler to thoroughly water them. It's better to water them less often but ensure they receive enough moisture.

Why do I need to water my Koreanspice viburnum?

Knowing the watering needs of your plants is crucial for their optimal growth, regardless of their type. For instance, Koreanspice viburnum requires abundant water to thrive and can easily wilt if not adequately moisturized. It prefers moist soil but ensure the ground has proper drainage to avoid having waterlogged roots and potential root rot. Both overwatering and underwatering can result in reduced flower production and hindered growth.

☀️ Light Full sun

Koreanspice viburnum does best when it gets ample daylight each day, though it can tolerate lower light levels. Sunlight supports overall growth and encourages healthy flowering. Native to sunny habitats, the plant may grow more slowly and produce fewer blooms with insufficient light, while excessive exposure can cause leaf burn.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Koreanspice Viburnum?

Koreanspice viburnum requires full sun to thrive, meaning it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial sun conditions, which entail getting about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. It's essential to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and choose spots that offer the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their well-being and happiness.

How does sunlight affect the growth and blooming of Koreanspice Viburnum?

Sunlight plays a crucial role in the growth and blooming of Koreanspice Viburnum. The plant thrives when exposed to abundant daylight, which nourishes its overall growth and promotes healthy blooming. Native to environments with plentiful sunlight, the plant might exhibit slower growth and fewer blooms if it receives inadequate light. Conversely, excessive exposure can lead to potential leaf burn, indicating the importance of balancing sunlight exposure.

What are the recommendations for using artificial lighting with Koreanspice Viburnum?

When natural sunlight is insufficient for your Koreanspice Viburnum, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting becomes a vital solution. It's advisable to opt for LED lights, which can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed by the plant. Depending on the plant's sunlight needs, the artificial light intensity should be 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. The artificial light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight as closely as possible for 8-12 hours per day.

What are the symptoms of inadequate or excessive sunlight exposure in Koreanspice Viburnum?

Koreanspice Viburnum may show various symptoms due to inadequate or excessive sunlight. Inadequate light can lead to small leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. Excessive sunlight may cause chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms reflect the plant's struggle with either too little or too much sunlight, affecting its health and vigor.

How can I address sunlight-related issues with Koreanspice Viburnum?

To mitigate sunlight-related issues with Koreanspice Viburnum, consider several steps. For indoor plants, gradually increase sunlight exposure by moving the plant to a sunnier location each week until it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Utilize a south-facing window for maximum exposure, or use artificial light sources for at least 8 hours daily if moving the plant is not feasible. For outdoor plants, identifying the best sunlight spot and moving your plants there gradually each week can help avoid sunburn. Reducing sunlight obstructions and considering transplanting are practical solutions for ground-planted specimens. Though parts of the plant affected by inadequate sunlight may not recover, new growth should be healthy with improved light conditions.

🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

the koreanspice viburnum grows well in temperate areas and tolerates a wide temperature range, preferring 41 to 90 ℉ (5 to 32 ℃). It needs cool conditions to bloom and favors cooler nights with warmer days. Provide partial shade in midsummer to avoid heat stress. In late fall, a layer of mulch can help moderate soil and air temperatures as the soil cools.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
FAQ
What are the ideal growing conditions for Koreanspice viburnum?

The Koreanspice viburnum, or Viburnum carlesii, thrives in temperate regions and is suited to a broad range of temperatures, ideally between 41 to 90 °F (5 to 32 °C). It flourishes under cool conditions necessary for blooming and prefers a cooler night followed by warmer daytime temperatures. To prevent heat stress, partial shade is recommended during midsummer. Additionally, applying a layer of mulch in late fall can help maintain soil and air temperatures as the soil cools down. Due to its strong cold resistance, special frost protection measures are generally not required in winter. However, during exceptionally cold winters where temperatures are expected to drop below the plant's cold tolerance limit, it's essential to wrap the trunk and branches with insulating materials like non-woven fabric or cloth. It is also advisable to water the plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn to ensure the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state, which helps the plant avoid drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.

How should I care for Koreanspice viburnum in extreme temperatures?

Koreanspice viburnum demonstrates notable tolerance to both low and high temperatures. In winter, it's important to ensure the temperature remains above the plant's minimum cold tolerance level. If winter temperatures fall below this threshold, the plant may not show immediate damage, but branches may become brittle and fail to produce new shoots by spring. Pruning away any dead branches that do not produce new leaves in spring is a suitable response to damage from low temperatures. During summer, it's crucial to keep temperatures within the plant's optimal range. Exceeding the maximum tolerable temperature can cause the leaves to lighten, dry out, and make the plant susceptible to sunburn. Counter high temperature stress by trimming sunburned parts, moving the plant to a shaded location, or employing a shade cloth to protect it from midday and afternoon sun. Additionally, maintaining soil moisture through morning and evening watering sessions can help the plant manage high temperatures.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-6
Soil pH: 6-6
🌱 Fertilizer

To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your Koreanspice viburnum in early spring. Regular feeding improves overall vigor, producing robust growth, better tolerance of challenging conditions, and increased resistance to diseases and pests. Adhere to a specific fertilization routine for your Koreanspice viburnum to keep foliage lively with deep color and a lush appearance.

FAQ
Why should I put fertilizer on my Koreanspice viburnum?

To ensure your Koreanspice viburnum plant is healthy and resilient, it is important to fertilize it regularly. This will provide the necessary nutrients for strong and vigorous growth, making it better equipped to handle difficult growing conditions and resist diseases and pests. By following a specific fertilization schedule tailored to your specific Koreanspice viburnum, you can preserve and enhance its attractive foliage. This will result in leaves that have a rich color and a lush appearance.

When should I fertilize my Koreanspice viburnum to get the best results?

To ensure healthy growth of your Koreanspice viburnum, it is recommended to fertilize it for the first time in late winter or early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for when the weather warms up. If you live in a warm climate region, it can be beneficial to give another round of fertilizer in early fall. This will supply extra nutrients for the following growing season and help the plant tolerate the winter cold without damage to its foliage. By fertilizing earlier, you'll give the new branches ample time to grow and withstand the cold winter.

When should I not put fertilizer on my Koreanspice viburnum plant?

There are a few times during the year when you should avoid fertilizing your Koreanspice viburnum. The first time is in the early and mid-winter months when the plant is dormant and doesn't need any feeding. It's also not a good idea to fertilize the plant in late spring and summer. During this time, it's usually hotter and drier, which can have a negative effect on the plant if fertilized. To prevent any issues, it's best to stick to a fertilization schedule that involves feeding only in early spring and early fall.

What kind of fertilizer does my Koreanspice viburnum plant need?

The most important nutrient for a Koreanspice viburnum is usually nitrogen, but phosphorus and potassium are still important. A balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 can be good for all three nutrients, but a higher nitrogen ratio, like 10-6-4, can lead to even better growth. You can use either granular or liquid-based fertilizers.

How do I give nutrients to my Koreanspice viburnum plant?

To fertilize your Koreanspice viburnum, you have a couple of options. One way is to use a granular fertilizer. Simply sprinkle it on the soil at the right time. The slow-release property of granular fertilizer ensures a gradual release of nutrients into the soil. It's a good idea to water your Koreanspice viburnum lightly before applying the fertilizer. Another option is to use a liquid fertilizer, although this is less common. To do this, mix the fertilizer with water and pour it around the base of your Koreanspice viburnum. Before fertilizing, it may be helpful to conduct a soil test to determine if any adjustments to the pH are necessary.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When repotting a Koreanspice viburnum, select a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

Koreanspice viburnum benefits from pruning in early spring, right before new growth begins. This practice involves removing dead branches, improving air circulation, and shaping the plant. By pruning to outward-facing buds, you can encourage flowering and help prevent disease, ultimately enhancing the plant's overall health and appearance in your garden.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Korean spice viburnum is not considered toxic to people and pets but may cause mild sickness in dogs or cats that ingest it. The fruit of viburnum is often eaten raw or cooked. Certain varieties are used for jams, jellies, and sauces.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Viburnum
Family
Viburnaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Mature Height
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Mature Spread
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Green, Red, Gray
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Koppen, Japan, South Korea

Tags (16)

Common Names (2)

en Koreanspice viburnum
en Korean spice viburnum