Laurustinus

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Common Name

Laurustinus

Scientific Name

Viburnum Tinus

Plant Category

Annual, perennial

Location

Western Europe north to Britain, and in North America north to western British Columbia.

Height

8-16 inches

Width

2-4 inches

Blooming Season

Late fall to early spring

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

White or pink

Sun

Full shade to partial shade

Soil

Well-cultivated soil rich in humus

Water

Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Attractive to bees, butterflies or birds. Fragrant flowers. Shade tolerant. 

Usage

Usually used as hedging, screening and grown in containers.

Information

Laurustinus is a winter-flowering, bushy, evergreen viburnum. The flowers are typically pink and open to white during these months. The profusion of small, white flowers are in flat heads and bloom between December and April. The plants have oval leaves with wavy edges and deep veining. The flowers have small dark blue-black fruits. They are very hardy plants and can withstand temperatures of down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants have a variety of different cultivars. One notable cultivar is 'Compactum' which normally grows to 1/2 or 3/4's the size of the original species. In addition to 'Compactum' there is also 'Spring Bouquet' which has red flower buds that turn to white on a compact plant. This species has been cultivated since the 16th century in England.

Growing Tips

Laurustinus flowers do best in full shade to partial shade but they are generally shade tolerant. They benefit most from well cultivated soil that is rich in humus. Space plants eight to ten inches apart. Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Fertilize the plants once a week to encourage better growth. Prune after flowers fade. Prune out dead or broken branches. The plant foliage should not be exposed to the direct heat of a stove or the sun.

Common Problems

Common problems include gray mold, rust, downy mildew, verticullum wilt and leaf spots. Aphids and weevils may be problematic. Therefore, it is important to avoid planting laurustinus plants in infested soil. Careful handling of plants will avoid root injury which enables the fungus to enter the plants. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with insecticides, repellents, or fungicide.