What soil does Korean spice viburnum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Korean spice viburnum hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Korean spice viburnum be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Korean spice viburnum flower?

Flowering: April–May, white, pink.

How much water does Korean spice viburnum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Korean spice viburnum

Viburnum carlesii

Korean spice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €48.

Illustration of Korean spice viburnum — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing, dense, rounded shrub that carries snowball-like clusters of white flowers opening from pink buds in April, into early May; their strong spicy scent carries a long way, so plant it near a path, terrace or window. It is happy in sun or part shade and is not fussy about soil as long as it drains well and does not dry out completely in summer; the leaves often turn red in autumn. It is small enough for a small garden, 'Compactum' stays even lower and 'Aurora' has brighter red buds. Its similarly scented hybrid relatives (Viburnum × juddii, Viburnum × carlcephalum) are often sold alongside it. Flower buds form in summer, so prune only right after flowering.

Watch out for

It is often grafted onto wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana): remove the rootstock suckers, which have different leaves, at the base or they will overtake the grafted top. Aphids curl and distort the young leaves in spring. The species is resistant to viburnum leaf beetle and usually shows little feeding damage. Leaf spot, powdery mildew and, in waterlogged soil, root rot occur occasionally.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.3 m × 1.3 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.3 m × 1.3 m
Ultimate size	1.2–2.5 m × 1.2–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €48

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €48

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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