Maintenance Landscaping Design

Viburnum carlesii aurora is a plant that is native to Korea and China. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-10’ tall with a slightly larger spread. Aurora is noted for its deep pink flowers that bloom in May.

Also known as

• viburnum carlesii 'aurora'
  
• viburnum carlesii 'aureum'
  
• viburnum carlesii 'aurantiacum'
  
• viburnum carlesii 'aurantifolia'
  
• viburnum carlesii 'aureovariegatum'

Common Knowledge

• Viburnum carlesii aurora is a shrub that is native to Korea and China.
  
• It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family.
  
• The shrub can grow to be 3-5 m tall.
  
• The leaves are ovate to oblong-shaped and measure 5-10 cm long.
  
• The flowers are white and borne in corymbs.
  
• Each flower has 5 petals and 5 stamen.
  
• The berries are red and measure 1 cm in diameter.
  
• The shrub flowers from June to July and the berries ripen from September to October.
  
• Viburnum carlesii aurora requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  
• It is generally propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

How to Grow

1. For viburnum carlesii aurora, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
   
2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
4. Water the plant deeply.
   
5. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
   
6. Fertilize the plant three times a year with a balanced fertilizer.
   
7. Prune the plant as needed to maintain its shape.
   
8. Watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
   
9. deadhead the plant to encourage new growth.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful aurora viburnum!

Related plant:
Viburnum Dawn

The Soil

About soil condition, (viburnum carlesii aurora) grows best in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. It does not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils. Chalk, clay, sand and loam soils are all suitable, provided they are not too dry.

About light

Just like other Viburnum, the Viburnum carlesii 'Aurora' prefers full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to average, well-drained soils, but performs best when given rich, organic soils that are kept moist but not wet.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Viburnum carlesii aurora is ideal for growing in the home garden. The plant prefers a cool climate and will tolerate some frost. The best time to plant this shrub is in the spring or early summer.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40%, however, the plant can survive in a range of humidity conditions between 20-60%. If the humidity falls outside of this range, the plant may experience stress and may eventually die.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not fussy, and will do well with any organic fertilizer. If you're using a chemical fertilizer, use one with an equal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As far as roots go, viburnum carlesii aurora have a fibrous root system, which is easily broken. Just be careful not to damage the roots when you're transplanting.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your viburnum carlesii aurora will help to create a fuller, more compact plant. For the best results, prune in early spring before new growth begins. Select three to five of the strongest, healthiest stems and prune back to just above a bud. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and should be taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Trim the bottom of the cutting, removing any leaves, and dip it in rooting hormone before planting it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny location. It should root within 4 to 6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate research has been conducted on young plants in controlled, laboratory conditions. Studies on young plants grown in various media report that the average maximum growth rate for this species is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) per week. However, the maximum growth rate under ideal conditions in the wild is likely much lower.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are felt scab, aphids, thrips, and powdery mildew. Felt scab is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruit of the plant. Aphids are tiny insects that can cause the plant to become stunted and distorted. Thrips are tiny winged insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant.

Growing Tips

• If growing from seed, start the seeds in a sterile seed starting mix and place them under high humidity conditions.
  
• Keep the seedlings moist, but not soggy, until they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots.
  
• Grow the seedlings in an airy, moist location until they are ready to be transplanted into the garden.
  
• Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  
• Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil to a depth of 18 inches.
  
• Mix in organic matter, such as compost, to the loosened soil.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  
• Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down lightly as you go.
  
• Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  

Alternative Plants

• viburnum carlesii aurora
  
• loropetalum chinense rubrum
  
• forsythia suspensa
  
• viburnum farreri
  
• hamamelis x intermedia diane
  
• hardy geranium maderense
  
• helenium autumnale
  
• clivia miniata
  
• magnolia liliflora nigra
  
• hibiscus syriacus oiseau bleu

Source:
Viburnum carlesii Koreanspice Viburnum cultivar 'Aurora ...
Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)-Hort Answers
Species: Viburnum carlesii - Cornell University