Koreanspice Viburnum

Koreanspice Viburnum is a slow-growing deciduous shrub reaching 4 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming an upright, spreading, multi-stemmed mound. You recognize it by the distinctive red buds that appear in early spring, opening to pink flowers that fade to white, arranged in hemispherical clusters about 6 centimeters across, intensely fragrant especially when first opening. The leaves are opposite, simple, broad-ovate, 3 to 10 centimeters long with rounded bases and irregular teeth; they are dull green with visible star-shaped hairs on top and paler, pubescent undersides. Blue-black fruit develops by late summer, attracting birds. Gray stems show characteristic fissuring on older wood, visible even after leaf drop, providing winter structure to the garden.

You will find Koreanspice Viburnum performs best in sun to part shade with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture as they establish. The species blooms on previous season's growth, so prune immediately after flowering through early summer to maintain shape without sacrificing the next year's flower display. In Western Washington gardens, this shrub serves well as a hedge, specimen, or foundation planting. It tolerates Black Walnut tree proximity. Watch for viburnum leaf beetle, which can defoliate plants; also monitor for root weevil, bean aphid, powdery mildew, botrytis shoot blight, and leaf spot, which are documented threats in the PNW. Good air circulation helps minimize fungal pressure.