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Sugar n’ Spice™ Koreanspice Viburnum
Viburnum carlesii ‘J.N. Select S’
Description & Overview
A Johnson’s Nursery origination; J.N. Plant Selections introduction, Sugar n’ Spice™ Koreanspice Viburnum is a heavy flowering cultivar with the delicious fragrance the species is known for. This cultivar was selected by Mike Yanny for its smaller, yet abundant, fragrant flowers, which fill the air with a sweet-spice aroma in early spring. An excellent choice for a captivating specimen plant!
Core Characteristics
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Suggested Uses:
Sugar n’ Spice™ Koreanspice Viburnum is a heavy flowering cultivar with the delicious fragrance the species is known for. This cultivar was selected by Mike Yanny for its smaller, yet abundant, fragrant flowers, which fill the air with a sweet-spice aroma in early spring. An excellent choice for a captivating specimen plant!
Wildlife Value:
The spicy-fragrant flowers attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators in spring.
Maintenance Tips:
If you desire to shape Sugar n’ Spice® Koreanspice Viburnum, use Heading Cuts immediately after the shrub has finished flowering, usually in June. Do not shear or prune after July, as this will cut off the new flower buds for the next year. Be aware that this shrub is a slow grower, so don’t be overzealous in your pruning.
A healthy mulch ring around the plant will keep the roots cool and moist, reducing the chance for disease.
Pests/Problems:
Sugar n’ Spice™ Koreanspice Viburnum has no major disease or insect issues when healthy. If the shrub is stressed, it can be susceptible to bacterial, fungal, or insect damage. In especially wet seasons, the plant should be monitored for Viburnum Crown Borer damage. This can be treated with a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid. The best preventative measure for the plant to make sure it is not stressed; it should be sited in well-drained soil, and in full sun.
Bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew are also occasional problems but can be remedied by improving air flow and reducing moisture on the leaves.
Leaf Lore:
This is a heavy flowering cultivar with the same sweet-spice, floral fragrance that the species is known for. This cultivar was selected by Mike Yanny in 2000 from open pollinated seedlings in our Johnson’s Nursery production fields. Although the white flower clusters are smaller than other Viburnum carlesii cultivars, they are much more abundant and distributed through the plant. This shrub is a standard size and needs room to fill out to its best form. It retains excellent density and is less prone to one-sidedness. For peak performance, Sugar n’ Spice™ Koreanspice Viburnum needs at least six hours of direct sunlight as well as rich, moist, well-drained soil.
In spring, the red flower buds open to abundant flower cymes throughout the plant, partially backed by the emerging dark green foliage. The dense habit makes this shrub a perfect background to show off low foreground perennials. In fall, the foliage turns a brilliant maroon to wine-red color, with different shades present at the same time. This is is an excellent choice where spring and fall interest is needed.
Companion Plants:
Sugar n’ Spice™ Koreanspice Viburnum has a large mature size, but grows slowly. It should be paired with perennials that have similar moisture requirements and can be easily transplanted as the viburnum grows larger. The dark green foliage is an excellent backdrop for colorful perennials like Montrose White Calamint, Caramel Coralbells, or Prairie Dropseed.
