Korean spice viburnum Viburnum carlesii
Korean spice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Viburnaceae family, native to Korea and Tsushima (Japan). It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Korean spice viburnum at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Korea and Tsushima (Japan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Korean spice viburnum toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: berries
Raw berries can cause stomach upset.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korean spice viburnum
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Korean spice viburnum
- How far apart should I plant Korean spice viburnum?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Korean spice viburnum need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean spice viburnum need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean spice viburnum?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Korean spice viburnum flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korean spice viburnum poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw berries can cause stomach upset.
- What grows well with Korean spice viburnum?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean spice viburnum. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Pink buds open to snowball clusters with a clove-like scent, best planted by a door or path.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- American highbush cranberry Viburnum trilobum
- Japanese snowball (doublefile viburnum) Viburnum plicatum
- Fragrant viburnum (Farrer’s viburnum) Viburnum farreri
- Arrowwood viburnum Viburnum dentatum
- Laurustinus Viburnum tinus
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens