Viburnum carlesii Compactum (Koreanspice Viburnum)

Highly popular due to its petite size, Viburnum carlesii ‘Compactum’ (Koreanspice Viburnum) is a compact, rounded, deciduous shrub with a profusion of large flower clusters that perfume the garden with their cinnamon fragrance in spring. Opening from pink flower buds, white flowers tinged pink, arranged in snowball clusters gradually fade to white as they mature. Sometimes tinged chocolate or bronze when young, the broadly ovate leaves mature to a dusty dark green, before boasting maroon shades in fall.

Highly popular due to its petite size, Viburnum carlesii 'Compactum' (Koreanspice Viburnum) is a compact, rounded, deciduous shrub with a profusion of large flower clusters that perfume the garden with their cinnamon fragrance in spring. Opening from pink flower buds, white flowers tinged pink, arranged in snowball clusters gradually fade to white as they mature. Elegantly held above the foliage, they are followed by bright red berries, borne in dense upward clusters. Sometimes tinged chocolate or bronze when young, the broadly ovate leaves mature to a dusty dark green, before boasting maroon shades in fall. A wonderful flowering shrub with a long season of interest. Perfect as a specimen or hedge. Great for small gardens too.

  • Slowly grows up with an upright rounded habit to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, acidity, and moisture but is happiest in moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, makes striking hedges and screens and lovely foundation plantings. A great shrub for the perennial border too! Plant your Koreanspice Viburnum near high traffic areas to enjoy its wonderful fragrance.
  • Attractive to birds!
  • Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease problems but watch for occasional leaf spot and powdery mildew.
  • Prune as required immediately after flowering. Cut older branches back to encourage growth
  • Fruit if eaten can cause a mild stomach upset.
  • Native to Korean and Japan.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 7

Heat Zones 4
– 8

Climate Zones 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden