Laurustinus
Viburnum tinus · Viburnaceae
📷 Giuseppe Frizzi · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around laurustinus and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark glossy green
- Flowering
- November to February, pink-white flowers in clusters
- Adult size
- Approximately 2.5 m tall, 2 to 3 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -12°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fertile, neutral to chalky
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Prune regularly after winter flowering to maintain compact and dense form. Plant in partial shade to semi-shade exposure where it will flower generously without risking foliage desiccation.
The common mistake
Most gardeners plant it in scorching sun and watch it turn yellow prematurely: the evergreen foliage doesn't appreciate intense south-facing exposure.
The pro's trick
Mulch generously in autumn before the first frosts: this protects the roots and strengthens early winter flowering.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the first year after planting. Once established, laurustinus tolerates summer drought well. Water moderately during the growing period and reduce watering in winter. Avoid excess moisture, particularly in poorly draining soil.
Exposure
Plant in semi-shaded or sunny conditions. Laurustinus appreciates 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily for generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade well, especially in very hot Mediterranean regions.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering (February-March) to maintain a compact, balanced shape. Remove dead or poorly positioned branches. Avoid severe pruning as it would reduce the following year's flowering.
Soil and planting
Prepare well-draining soil enriched with compost or potting soil. Laurustinus appreciates chalky or neutral soils. Plant in autumn or spring. Apply light mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Nutrients
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. An annual addition of well-decomposed compost is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Laurustinus is generally resistant to disease. Watch for scale insects and aphids in case of water stress. Good drainage prevents powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around the foliage.
Did you know?
Laurustinus is a much-appreciated Mediterranean plant for flowering in the middle of winter. Its small pink-white flowers grouped in dense panicles often appear as early as November, attracting the first pollinators during mild winter days. It produces very decorative blue-black berries, prized by birds.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.