Family: Viburnum
Type: Shrub
Other Common Name: Spice Ball Koreanspice, Korean Spice
Viburnum carlesii ‘Spice Baby’ is a compact shrub known for its fragrant, spicy-scented, pinkish-white blooms. This dwarf variety fits beautifully in smaller gardens without sacrificing the showy appeal of its larger relatives. It’s a low-maintenance plant, making it a delightful choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
‘Spice Baby’ blooms in early spring, creating a stunning display that’s both visual and aromatic. Its flowers are not only gorgeous but also attract pollinators, adding life and movement to your garden. In the summer, its bright green foliage maintains visual interest, transitioning to lovely shades of red and purple in the fall.
This plant is incredibly versatile, thriving in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. ‘Spice Baby’ is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hardy addition to any landscape.
Hardiness Zone: 4a-4a
Deer Resistant: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 5
Average Spread (feet): 5
Average Life Span (years): 40
Form: Upright spreading
Flower Color: White
Flower Eye Color: Butter
Bloom Season: From early to late spring
Foliage Color: Green
Leaf Fall Color: Red
Foliage Shape: Heart
Bark Color: Gray
Bark Texture: Smooth
Viburnum carlesii ‘Spice Baby’ is perfect for creating a sensory experience in your garden. Its fragrant flowers can be enjoyed up close, making it ideal for planting near patios or windows. This variety’s compact size makes it suitable for small spaces and foundation plantings.
Consider using ‘Spice Baby’ as a natural hedge or privacy screen. Its dense foliage provides excellent coverage, and its aromatic flowers add an extra layer of enjoyment. For a layered garden look, plant it in the background, with lower-growing flowers and plants in the foreground.
‘Spice Baby’ also works well in mixed shrub borders. Pair it with other shrubs that offer contrasting colors and textures for a diverse and appealing landscape. Its spring blooms and fall color make it a year-round focal point.
In a cottage garden, 'Spice Baby' adds charm with its fragrant flowers and vibrant fall foliage.
Attracting pollinators, it's a great addition to a wildlife garden, providing food for bees and butterflies.
Ideal for urban settings, it brings beauty and fragrance to smaller city gardens and spaces.
With year-round interest, ‘Spice Baby’ is a valuable asset in any garden.
Select our pre-made garden layouts to create a landscape that’s uniquely yours. Simple, smart, and customizable!
In spring, it bursts into bloom with fragrant flowers, signaling the start of the gardening season.
During summer, its lush green foliage provides a calm backdrop for brighter summer flowers.
In fall, the leaves turn to stunning shades of red and purple, adding autumnal charm to your garden.
Even in winter, its structure and form add interest to the garden, especially when frosted or snow-dusted.
Viburnum carlesii ‘Spice Baby’ thrives in a variety of locations. It’s ideal for borders, as a specimen plant, or even in containers.
This Viburnum prefers full sun to partial shade. More sunlight encourages better blooming.
Well-draining soil is key. 'Spice Baby' is adaptable but avoids overly wet or extremely dry soils.
Give each plant about 4 to 5 feet of space. Proper spacing allows for healthy growth and air circulation.
The best planting time is in the spring or fall, allowing the plant to establish before extreme temperatures.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep. Position the plant, backfill, and water well.
Regular watering is vital in the first year. Once established, ‘Spice Baby’ is quite drought-tolerant.
A balanced fertilizer in early spring encourages growth. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Prune immediately after flowering if needed. This helps maintain shape and encourages healthy growth.
Prune as needed after flowering. Water well as the plant breaks dormancy.
Water during prolonged dry periods. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Prepare for winter by reducing watering. Add mulch for root protection.
No special care needed. The plant is dormant and requires minimal attention.
It typically grows 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Yes, it’s known to be somewhat deer resistant.
Absolutely! Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening.
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