Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii 'SMVCB' SPICE BABY)
Viburnum carlesii 'SMVCB' SPICE BABY is a low-maintenance, compact Koreanspice viburnum offering highly fragrant flowers in early spring.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY, a selected cultivar of Koreanspice viburnum, delights gardeners with its intensely fragrant blooms that herald the close of winter. This compact deciduous shrub is highly valued precisely because of its low maintenance needs combined with stunning spring floral displays. As a Proven Winners® Color Choice™ selection, this variety offers reliable performance in smaller landscapes.
This cultivar offers dense, upright growth, typically maturing between 3.5 to 5 feet tall, making it much more manageable than some of its larger relatives. While prized for its flowers, the dark green foliage often transitions to attractive wine-red or burgundy hues in the fall, providing multi-season interest. Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY brings significant aesthetic value to any garden space where its perfume can be enjoyed.
Growing successfully in a wide range of conditions from full sun to part shade, this plant remains a dependable choice for the home gardener. Its manageable stature and resistance to deer browsing further enhance its appeal as a versatile, low-effort foundation or border plant.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Adoxaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3.5-5 ft
- Spread: 3.5-6 ft
- Bloom Time: March to April
- Bloom Description: Light pink to white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting viburnums is best accomplished in the spring or fall, allowing the root system time to establish before extreme summer heat or deep winter freezes. Thrive in average, well-drained soil; ensure the site avoids overly wet areas, even though it prefers a medium water supply once established. When planting Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY, remember its mature spread and give it adequate room to develop its rounded shape.
Water needs are medium, meaning consistent moisture is necessary, particularly during the first two growing seasons. Established plants are relatively tough but benefit from deep soaking during prolonged dry spells. Due to its low maintenance profile, heavy fertilization is rarely required; a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is often sufficient.
Pruning must be handled thoughtfully. To ensure abundant blooms next year, prune immediately after flowering concludes in late spring, as flower buds for the subsequent season form during the summer months. Avoid hard pruning in late summer or fall, as this will remove next year’s flower display.
Landscape Uses
The fragrance of Koreanspice viburnum makes it an ideal specimen for placement near entryways, along walkways, or outside windows where its early spring perfume can be appreciated. Its compact, upright structure lends itself perfectly to use as a low foundation planting, softening hard architectural lines without overwhelming them. Plant in groups for a mass display of color and scent, or easily incorporate Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY into mixed shrub borders.
Because of its attractive, formal shape, it functions excellently when massed to create a continuous, low-growing hedge that retains visual interest longer than many deciduous alternatives. When selecting companions, look for early spring bulbs like daffodils or tulips that emerge just as the viburnum begins to flower, maximizing the seasonal impact of the border.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
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. Its large inflorescences have numerous fragrant light pink to white, 5-petaled flowers opening from pink buds in late March or early April. This compact cultivar, Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY, is especially noted for being suitable for container gardening while maintaining its desirable qualities.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Occasional pest and disease issues include bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew, which are more common in humid conditions or if air circulation is poor. To minimize these fungal and bacterial concerns, ensure proper spacing between plants and prune only immediately after flowering to maintain an open structure. Viburnum crown borers and Armillaria root rot are less frequent but more serious threats; ensure the plant is sited in well-drained soil to protect against root rot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Koreanspice viburnum suitable for?
Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY is hardy and reliable in USDA Zones 4 through 7, giving it substantial range across many temperate climates.
How large does Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY grow?
This specific cultivar generally matures to a height between 3.5 and 5 feet, with a spread ranging from 3.5 to 6 feet wide, maintaining a compact, rounded form.
When does Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY bloom?
You can expect the highly fragrant flowers of the Koreanspice viburnum to appear relatively early, typically from March into April, opening from light pink buds to white blooms.
What sun exposure does Koreanspice viburnum need?
This shrub performs well across a range of light conditions, tolerating environments from full sun to light or part shade.
Conclusion
Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY stands out as an exceptionally rewarding shrub due to its unforgettable early spring fragrance and manageable size. This reliable Koreanspice viburnum requires low maintenance while returning significant seasonal rewards. Before planting, verify that your garden falls within USDA Zones 4-7 and ensure you select a spot where its signature scent can be enjoyed up close.
Companion Planting
Selecting suitable partners enhances the landscape impact of your Koreanspice viburnum. Since this shrub blooms very early, consider pairing it with low-growing, summer-blooming perennials that will help anchor the space once the viburnum finishes flowering. Good companions that share the need for medium moisture and part shade include Hosta varieties or Astilbe, which offer contrasting foliage textures throughout the summer.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the most critical season for the Viburnum carlesii ‘SMVCB’ SPICE BABY. Once the flowers fade in April, immediately perform any necessary pruning to shape the shrub and allow new wood to set flower buds for the following year. Monitor soil moisture levels closely during summer droughts to support flower bud development. In fall, minimal cleanup is needed, as the foliage often provides attractive color, and the overall maintenance level remains low.
