Viburnum carlesii 'Compactum'

Plant near a door for a whiff of spring perfume

The Koreanspice viburnum has clove-scented flowers that bloom for about two weeks in midspring. It's a dense, rounded shrub with spreading branches that grows to 4' or 5'. The highly fragrant flowers appearing in late April into May are small, about 1/2" across, and borne in clusters 2" to 3" across. The buds are reddish-pink and open white. The fruit, a small drupe that matures in late summer or early fall, starts red and becomes black. It is not highly ornamental and is usually concealed beneath the leaves. Wine-red fall color is quite attractive. Plant Koreanspice viburnum near a path or door for two weeks of spring fragrance.