Introduction:-
Oh, what more can I ask for on a warm April day than the
ambrosial fragrance of a koreanspice viburnum? The heady
fragrance nearly cloys the senses when in close proximity,
but these wonderfully scented blooms can be detected over
30 feet away.
This species' beauty is not limited to just one sense,
but presents itself with stunningly beautiful blooms held
above dusty green foliage. Blushing pink as the buds
open, they gradually fade to a brilliant, waxy white.
Late summer presents offerings of clustered red fruit that
fade to black, drawing chattering birds to a luscious
banquet. As Demeter's apprehension leads into autumn,
the viburnum withdraws into tight-clustered buds and soft
brown branches not with a whimper, but a bang! Wine red
foliage celebrates this species' exit into winter solitude,
but reminds one of its other features yet to come.
As if this plant's beauty were not enough, its tolerance
to adverse conditions and trouble-free demeanor make it
ideal for most environs. It can tolerate a range of soil
types, acidity, and moisture, but prefers to bask in the
glow of the afternoon sun.
Foliage: -
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These broadly ovate leaves are a dark green, but
are given a dull, dusty cast by the pubescence
present on the upper surface. The leaf undersides
are a lighter gray-green, covered with even more
hairs than above.
This light color and dense pubescence softens
the plant's appearance, making it a good element
in the architectural landscape.
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Taxonomic description:
Opposite and simple, the broad-ovate leaves are 1
to 4" long with denticulate margins and slightly
impressed veination. The upper surface is dull dark
green and pubescent, whereas the underside is gray-green
and densely pubescent.
Flowers: -
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Opening in late April, the snowball like clusters of
waxy flowers start pink, then gradually fade to white.
Their intoxicating fragrance fills the springtime
air for about 10 days, then disappear as the leaves
fully emerge.
Taxonomic description:
Perfect, 1/2" across in 2-3" dense hemispherical
cymes in late April. Pink to reddish in bud opening
to white, incredibly fragrant.
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Fruit: -
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Borne in dense upward clusters, the fruit are about 1/4"
in length and oval, starting bright red and fading to
black.
Taxonomic description:
Red turning to black, drupes are 1/4" in length
and borne in late summer.
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Fall Color: -
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Fall color varies from brilliant red to dull burgundy
on this viburnum, with a tendency towards the latter.
However, if care is taken in selecting a specimen,
good fall color can be guaranteed.
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Pathology: -
Unfortunately, this species is has troubles with
bacterial leaf spot and borers. I have seen entire
plants dessimated by borers, so it's good practice
to cut older branches back to encourage growth.
Propagation: -
The best way to propagate this species is through
cuttings, despite literature suggesting the contrary.
They should be gathered in June-July and dipped in 8000
ppm IBA-talc, followed by a brief dormancy cycle.
Culture: -
Koreanspice viburnums are happiest in moist, acidic,
well-drained soils in full sun. However, they are
tolerant of semi-shade, heavy clay soils, alkalinity,
and to a certain degree, drought.
Suggested uses: -
Because it is most appreciated for the wonderful
fragrance of its flowers, the koreanspice viburnum
is best situated near high traffic areas or
windows.
Because of its growth potential, take care when
planting by providing plenty of headroom and space for
outward growth. Planting smaller cultivars such as
'Compactum' can minimize this size requirement while
still providing the beauty of the species.
In terms of groupings, these plants make excellent
foundation plantings, specimens, borders, or if smaller
cultivars are used, group plantings of three or so.
Cultivars: -
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'Aurora'
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Leaves copper-flushed, flower buds red, fading to
white.
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'Carlotta'
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Larger, broad-ovate leaves. Introduced by W.B. Clarke
Co. in San Jose, CA.
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'Cayuga'
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Actually a backcross of Viburnum carlesii x
Viburnum x carlecephalum. It is noticeably
different in its darker and smaller leaves and
compact habit.
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'Compactum'
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Dwarf variety, growing 2 1/2 to 3 1/2' high. Introduced
by Hoogendoorn Nurseries in Newport, Rhode Island.
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'Diana'
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A vigorous compact cultivar with hints of chocolate
on young leaves. Flowers are red in the bud, then
pink, then purplish, finally fading to white.
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'Eskimo'
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A cross between 'Cayuga' x Viburnum utile, this
dwarf cultivar has dense, semi-evergreen glossy leaves.
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Medicinal uses: -
This species has no significant medicinal uses.
References:
- Bean, W. J. Trees & Shrubs Hardy in
the British Isles: Volume IV.. London:
John Murray, 1996.
- Bean, W. J. Trees & Shrubs Hardy in
the British Isles: Supplement.. London:
John Murray, 1997.
- Dirr, Michael. Manual of Woody Landscape
Plants. Champaign: Stipes Publishing, 1990.
- Griffiths, M. The Index of Garden
Plants. Portland: Timber Press, 1994.
- Johnson, Warren T. and Howard H. Lyon.
Insects That Feed on Trees and Shrubs.
Ithica: Cornell University, 1994.
- Rehder, Alfred. Manual of Cultivated
Trees and Shrubs. New York: MacMillan
Publishing.
- Sinclair, Wayne A. et al. Diseases of
Trees and Shrubs. Ithica: Cornell University,
1993.
- Wyman, Donald. Wyman's Gardening
Encyclopedia. New York: MacMillan, 1986.
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