Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii 'Compactum')
Viburnum carlesii 'Compactum' (Koreanspice viburnum) offers low-maintenance, fragrant spring blooms on a slow-growing, compact shrub perfect for borders.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’, commonly known as Koreanspice viburnum, is highly cherished for its exceptionally fragrant spring flowers, making it a standout addition to any landscape. This slow-growing, upright cultivar maintains a desirable rounded habit, offering structure without excessive size. Its compact nature makes Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ particularly valuable where space is limited but high impact fragrance is desired.
This deciduous shrub thrives across a wide temperate range, exhibiting low maintenance needs once established in suitable conditions. While the flowers are a highlight, the foliage transitions through attractive shades in the fall, ensuring seasonal interest beyond the bloom period. It serves beautifully as a specimen or massed planting where its perfume can be best appreciated.
The reliable performance and appealing form of Koreanspice viburnum contribute functional beauty to borders and foundation plantings. Its moderate size and tolerance for varying light conditions ensure that Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ remains a gardener favorite for easy-care elegance.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Adoxaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2.5-4 ft
- Spread: 2.5-4 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting should ideally occur in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Choose a location where Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ receives full sun or tolerates partial shade; deeper shade may reduce flowering. This shrub performs best in average, medium, well-drained soil that is consistently supplied with moisture.
Water needs are medium, requiring regular irrigation, especially during establishment or prolonged dry spells. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if the soil is of average quality. The most critical care instruction involves pruning: limit pruning to immediately after the flowering period concludes, as flower buds for the following year develop during the summer months.
Winter preparation is minimal for established plants in USDA zones 4 through 7. In spring, monitor for any emerging foliage damage, but major cleanup should be deferred until after flowering to avoid removing next year’s potential blooms. Keep the base mulched to retain soil moisture.
The low maintenance level of Koreanspice viburnum contributes significantly to its popularity. By respecting its summer budding cycle, you ensure a bountiful display of fragrant flowers year after year.
Landscape Uses
One principal recommended use for Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ is as a well-defined hedge, offering dense, attractive screening that retains year-round structure. Because it is described as a compact, slow-growing cultivar, it stays manageable in smaller yard settings better than the standard species.
It excels when planted in small groups or mixed seamlessly within broader broadleaf shrub borders, adding textural contrast. Furthermore, this shrub functions effectively as a foundation plant near a home where its strong, attractive, highly fragrant flowers can be enjoyed up close upon entering or exiting the dwelling.
Consider planting Koreanspice viburnum near walkways or patios to maximize the sensory benefit of its blooms, effectively using fragrance as a key design element.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Viburnum carlesii commonly called Koreanspice viburnum is a slow-growing, upright, rounded, deciduous shrub which typically matures to 4-5’ tall but may reach a height of 8’ in optimum growing conditions. Red buds open in late March/early April to pink-changing-to-white flowers which are arranged in snowball-like clusters (hemispherical cymes) to 3” across. Flowers are very fragrant. The foliage usually turns dull red in fall, but may sometimes display attractive shades of wine-red to burgundy.
Tolerances
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Occasional issues for this genus include bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, viburnum crown borers, and Armillaria root rot. Proper air circulation is vital; avoid dense planting to mitigate fungal issues like powdery mildew. Ensure excellent drainage to guard against root rot.
Although occasional problems exist, Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ is reportedly known for good resistance to common leaf spot diseases. If borers are suspected, cultural practices that keep the shrub healthy and vigorous are the best long-term defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Koreanspice viburnum suitable for?
Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ is generally suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7.
How large does Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ grow?
This compact cultivar typically matures to a height between 2.5 and 4 feet, with a similar spread of 2.5 to 4 feet.
When does Koreanspice viburnum bloom?
It blooms in April, producing showy, white, highly fragrant flowers.
What sun exposure does Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ need?
For best flowering, this shrub prefers full sun, but it can tolerate part shade conditions.
Conclusion
The combination of low maintenance, manageable size, and intensely fragrant spring blooms secures the place of Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ in many successful gardens. This hardy Koreanspice viburnum offers reliable seasonal color and structure. Before purchasing, confirm that its hardiness zone aligns with your climate and plan your planting site to maximize afternoon sun exposure.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the landscape display around your Koreanspice viburnum. Since this shrub prefers medium moisture and adaptable soil, pair it with other medium-water, low-maintenance deciduous shrubs like Hydrangeas (especially those that thrive in part shade) or certain early-blooming spireas.
Consider contrasting foliage textures for visual interest. Plants with fine, lacy leaves or evergreen structure provide excellent background texture when the Viburnum is dormant or past its flowers. Ensure plantings do not unduly crowd the base, which could inhibit air circulation, increasing the risk of mildew on the shrub.
Design Ideas
The tidy, rounded form of Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ makes it excellent for creating formal or semi-formal low hedges lining a walkway or defining a planting bed edge. Its shorter stature prevents it from overwhelming smaller garden rooms early in the season.
Use it near patios or outdoor seating areas specifically to capture its famous fragrance during springtime maturation. When massed in groupings, the repeated, highly fragrant flower clusters create an impressive, unified bloom display across the garden space.
