| Common Name | Spice Island Koreanspice Viburnum |
| Botanical Name | Viburnum carlesii ‘J.N. Select A’ |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 (thrives in Zone 5b) |
| Mature Size | 4-5 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Soil Preference | Well-drained, fertile |
| Bloom Time | Early to mid-spring |
| Bloom Color | Pink buds opening to creamy white |
| Native To | Japan and Korea (cultivar) |
| Deer Resistant | Moderate |
| Pollinator Friendly | Yes (bees, butterflies) |
Why This Shrub for Wisconsin
Koreanspice Viburnum is already popular in Zone 5b, but Spice Island improves on the original. It grows more compactly and uniformly, holding its shape without constant pruning. The fragrance is the same rich, spicy-sweet scent that made the species famous. Handles our winters without issue and bounces back reliably every spring. The deep wine-red fall foliage is a bonus most people don’t expect.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring (late April through May) or early fall (September).
Where: Full sun for best flowering. Plant near windows, patios, or walkways to enjoy the fragrance.
How: Hole twice as wide as root ball, same depth. Level with surrounding soil. Backfill, water thoroughly, 2-3 inches of mulch. Space 5-6 feet apart in groups.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Enjoy the show. Rounded clusters open over several weeks, pink buds maturing to creamy white.
Summer: Water during dry spells, especially first two years. Prune immediately after flowering if needed. Pruning later removes next year’s buds.
Fall: Foliage turns deep wine-red. No pruning.
Winter: Dormant and hardy. Mulch around the base for insulation.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Viburnum leaf beetle: The biggest threat. Larvae chew holes in spring, adults feed in summer. Check twig undersides for egg sites in fall. Prune affected twigs.
Powdery mildew: Shows up in humid summers. Good air circulation helps.
Wrong pruning time: The most common mistake. Prune only right after flowering. Late pruning cuts off next spring’s blooms.
Companion Planting
Bridal Wreath Spirea blooms around the same time for a layered effect. Hosta fills ground level with texture. Daylilies provide summer color after the viburnum’s spring show. Boxwood adds evergreen structure in winter. Astilbe works in partially shaded spots nearby.
Design and Landscape Uses
One of the best shrubs for foundation plantings near windows. Plant where fragrance can drift into the house on a spring breeze. Also works in mixed borders, as a patio specimen, or along walkways. The 4-5 foot size stays manageable for smaller properties.
Fun Fact
Spice Island was developed by Johnson’s Nursery in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, in 2000. A locally bred plant selected for performance in our exact climate.
Spice Island Viburnum is available at our nursery.
Come smell it for yourself during spring bloom season.