Description
Spice-sweet fragrance loved worldwide — compact, hardy, and spectacular in spring.
Viburnum carlesii, known as the Korean Spice Viburnum, is celebrated for its powerfully perfumed flowers. Tight clusters of pink buds burst into domed clusters of white blooms in mid-spring, releasing a rich, spicy-sweet scent that drifts across the garden.
This shrub stays compact and tidy, making it perfect for courtyards, foundations, feature pots, and small gardens. Leaves emerge bronzy, turn deep green in summer, and often colour red-purple in autumn.
Growing Conditions (Australia):
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Sun: Full sun to part shade
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Height/Width: 1.2–1.8 m tall × similar spread
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Soil: Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soils
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Climate: Excellent in cool and mild temperate climates; dislikes high humidity
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Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Why You’ll Love It: Compact habit, exceptional fragrance, and beautiful seasonal foliage.