Koreanspice Viburnum
viburnum carlesii
Also known as: ["Dwarf European Cranberry","Winter Cream Viburnum"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, pinkish-white flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by red berries that mature to black.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum carlesii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden border or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning to shape the plant and remove old wood.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade in hot climates).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide dappled shade during peak afternoon hours. Indoors, place near a bright window with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soil with organic matter; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7, tolerating temperatures between -20°F and 80°F. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures.
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources; monitor temperature during extreme weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; fertilize only during active growth; water before and after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or layering in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or a well-draining potting medium.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use thinning cuts to open up the plant and heading cuts to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Avoid heavy pruning after flowering, as it may reduce blooms the following year.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or crossing branches; shape the plant; remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry slightly before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, bud drop, or delayed flowering in excessive heat; leaf discoloration or dieback in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, slowed growth, or damage to tender buds and flowers.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer at the correct time; follow label instructions; water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply again after flowering, diluting liquid fertilizers to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum carlesii may cause mild gastrointestinal distress in cats if consumed. No severe toxic effects are known, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum carlesii can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant amounts. No severe toxicity has been reported, but caution is recommended.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum carlesii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities, but no severe toxic effects have been documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Viburnum carlesii?
A: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Q: Does Viburnum carlesii attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: Is Viburnum carlesii deer resistant?
A: It has moderate resistance to deer, but heavy browsing can occur in some areas.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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