Shrub
Laurustinus
Viburnum tinus
A dense evergreen shrub with dark leaves, pinkish buds and white flower clusters in late winter and spring in mild climates. Metallic blue fruit may follow; cold, drying winds and severe frost limit its use.
- Size
- 2.5–4 m high · 2.5–4 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade / Full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Needs protection
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- An untrimmed shrub can reach about 2.5–4 m in height and width in 10–20 years under suitable conditions. Compact cultivars have different dimensions.
- Choose fertile, well-drained soil with some moisture. It tolerates acidic to alkaline soils and sun to shade; sun or partial shade is a good garden choice.
- Choose a mild, sheltered site away from cold, drying winds. Where hard winters make ground planting unreliable, use a movable container with protected winter shelter.
Why choose it
- In mild climates, pinkish buds open into white flower clusters from late winter into spring, when many other shrubs are still quiet.
- Evergreen leaves provide a dense backdrop or informal screen. Pollinated flowers may be followed by metallic blue fruit that darkens as it ripens.
Care
- Water as needed for the first one or two years. Established shrubs tolerate dry spells better; check container moisture more often and avoid waterlogging.
- If shaping is needed, prune lightly after flowering. Cutting off flowered shoots also removes potential fruit; check for active bird nests first.
- Mulch in spring, keeping material away from the stem bases. Investigate persistent leaf damage or dieback rather than assuming it is only frost.
Good to know
- The fruit is ornamental and must not be eaten. Keep it out of reach of children and pets that might sample it.
- This is a viburnum, not culinary bay laurel. Flowering dates and winter survival depend on local climate; an evergreen habit does not mean full frost hardiness.