Laurustinus

Common laurustinus, Tinus

Viburnum tinus is reliable shrub species from the Mediterranean. It flowers from late winter to early spring with delicate pink buds opening to white/pale pink flowers. Evergreen foliage can then provide a lovely backdrop for summer displays. Tolerant of most soil types, it's dense rounded crown can act as a hedge but it prefers sheltered positions. Lately tinctures made from the leaves have been used in herbal medicine as a remedy for depression. The plant contains tannins that can cause stomach upset but the fruit has been used as a purgative against constipation. This species is part of the Royal Horticultural Society “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Spring, Winter

Fruiting time

Autumn, Winter

Harvesting

Generally not harvested.

Propagation

Cuttings

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.

Special features

Winter colour

Flowers appear in late winter/early spring.

Geography

Origin

Mediterranean

Environment

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Full Shade

Soil moisture

Dry

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Frost hardiness

Hardy

Uses

Notes

A low maintenance plant that can be used as hedges & screens as well as in borders of informal cottage gardens or urban city/courtyard gardens.

Personality

Family

Adoxaceae

Flower colour

Cream, Pink, White

Scent

Strong

Problems

Can also suffer from viburnum whitefly.

Aphids

Aphidoidea spp.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium oxysporum

Viburnum Beetle

Pyrrhalta viburni