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Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)

Laurustinus

Viburnum Tinus, Laurustinus, Evergreen Shrub, shrub with berries, white flowers, flowering shrub, blue berries, fragrant shrubs
Viburnum Tinus, Laurustinus, Evergreen Shrub, shrub with berries, white flowers, flowering shrub, blue berries, fragrant shrubs
Viburnum Tinus, Laurustinus, Evergreen Shrub, shrub with berries, white flowers, flowering shrub, blue berries, fragrant shrubs
Viburnum Tinus, Laurustinus, Evergreen Shrub, shrub with berries, white flowers, flowering shrub, blue berries, fragrant shrubs

Very ornamental, Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) is a vigorous, bushy, evergreen shrub noted for its eye-catching flower clusters, colorful berries, and leathery foliage.  Easy to grow and reliable, this lovely, long-flowering shrub is an excellent asset in the winter garden, blooming its heart out when little else is in bloom.

Viburnum tinus: An In-depth Look

Native: Native to the Mediterranean region as well as parts of North Africa and the Canary Islands, Viburnum tinus has been a garden favorite for centuries.

Plant Type and Habit: This is an evergreen shrub that generally maintains a rounded, upright habit. It can be grown as a single specimen or utilized for hedging and screening purposes.

Size: Mature plants typically reach heights of 6-12 feet (1.8 to 3.6 meters) with a spread of 6-10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters), depending on growing conditions and pruning regimen.

Flowers: Opening from pale pink buds from winter to mid-spring, masses of tiny, fragrant, white flower clusters, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), are elegantly held above the foliage.

Fruits: After flowering, the plant produces showy, bright, metallic blue berries.

Foliage: The leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong, and remain a glossy, dark green throughout the year.

Hardiness: Viburnum tinus is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

Uses: Because of its aesthetic appeal and hardy nature, Viburnum tinus is commonly used for hedges, screens, foundation plantings, or as a stand-alone ornamental shrub.

Wildlife: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the berries provide food for birds during the leaner winter months.

Deer and Rabbits: Viburnum tinus is generally considered to be deer-resistant, although young plants may be vulnerable to grazing. Rabbits typically don’t prefer the thick, leathery leaves.

Toxicity: While not highly toxic, ingestion of large quantities of berries could cause mild symptoms of poisoning in humans and pets.

Drought: Once established, Viburnum tinus exhibits a moderate degree of drought tolerance. However, it prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Invasiveness: Find where this species is invasive in the U.S.

Benefits: The shrub’s evergreen nature provides year-round interest, while its prolonged bloom time brings beauty during months when other plants are dormant. It also offers valuable habitat and food sources for wildlife, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.

How to Grow and Care for Laurustinus

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sunlight results in better flowering.

Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is optimal. Adaptable to sandy or clay soils if there is excellent drainage. 

Water: Water regularly to establish the root system. Once established, moderate water is adequate. For best flower and fruit production, provide occasional water during dry weather. Overwatering can lead to root rot. 

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. No heavy feeding is required.

Pruning: Best pruned immediately after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning as this may reduce flowering for the next season.

Propagation: Can be propagated via semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.

Pests and Diseases: No serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, thrips, or viburnum beetle. Occasional disease problems include leaf spot, root rot, and botrytis. Apply appropriate treatments as needed.

Viburnum: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Viburnum like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking shrubs.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Adoxaceae
Genus Viburnum
Common names Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 12'
(180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120"
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Viburnum opulus ‘Nanum’ (European Cranberrybush)
Viburnum odoratissimum (Sweet Viburnum)
Viburnum farreri (Farrer Viburnum)
Viburnum setigerum (Tea Viburnum)
Viburnum ‘Pragense’ (Prague Viburnum)
Viburnum macrocephalum (Chinese Snowball Viburnum)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Geranium x magnificum (Purple Cranesbill)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
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Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Viburnum – What Is Wrong With My Shrub?
Viburnum – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Viburnum: How to Grow and Care with Success
10 Creative Ways to Incorporate Viburnum in Your Garden
Why You Should Avoid Growing Invasive Viburnums
Native Viburnums: Ideal Shrubs for Your Garden
Viburnum
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful Fruits and Berries in Winter
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum dilatatum (Linden Viburnum)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Adoxaceae
Genus Viburnum
Common names Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 12'
(180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120"
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Viburnum
Not sure which Viburnum to pick?
Compare Now

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