Viburnum carlesii – Korean Viburnum is a deciduous, multi-season ornamental shrub best known for its incredibly fragrant pinkish-white flowers that bloom in mid-spring. The flowers emerge from pink buds and form dense, rounded clusters, filling the garden with a sweet, spicy scent. Following the floral display, red berries develop in summer, ripening to black in the fall, providing interest and food for birds.

Its dark green foliage turns shades of wine-red to burgundy in autumn, creating a vibrant fall show. Korean Viburnum is a compact, rounded shrub that grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, and specimen shrubs. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. Though it’s not a native plant, its exceptional fragrance, showy blooms, and low-maintenance care make it a standout addition to home landscapes.

Why Choose Viburnum carlesii – Korean Viburnum?

• Showy, highly fragrant flower clusters in mid-spring
• Produces red berries that mature to black, attracting birds
• Brilliant fall foliage in shades of burgundy and wine-red
• Low-maintenance, compact size perfect for foundation plantings or borders
• Drought-tolerant once established and adaptable to a variety of soils

Cultivating Tips:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for best flower production
• Prefers well-drained soil and benefits from mulching to retain moisture
• Prune after flowering to maintain its rounded shape and promote healthy growth

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

• Use Korean Viburnum as a specimen plant or anchor in mixed borders
• Ideal for planting near patios, walkways, or windows to enjoy its fragrance
• Pairs well with spring bulbs, hostas, and other shade-loving perennials

Ecological Benefits:

• Provides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies in spring
• Fruits offer a food source for birds in late summer and fall
• Adds biodiversity and structure to garden landscapes, though not native

Since Viburnum carlesii – Korean Viburnum is not a native species, here are three native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Clethra alnifolia – Summersweet: A native shrub with fragrant white flower spikes that attract pollinators. Thrives in moist soils and partial shade.
• Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ – Henry’s Garnet Sweetspire: A native shrub with arching stems of fragrant white flowers in early summer and brilliant red to purple fall foliage.
• Viburnum dentatum – Arrowwood Viburnum: A native, adaptable shrub with creamy white spring flowers, blue-black berries for birds, and colorful fall foliage.