Common Name: Laurustinus

General Information

Viburnum tinus is a much-branched evergreen shrub of rounded form and very dense habit; it can grow up to 3.5 metres tall, usually remaining furnished to the ground with branches and leaves[, ].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens where it is especially valued for its ability to make dense hedges

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern Europe - Portugal to France and Greece; Africa - Macaronesia, Morocco to Libya; W. Asia - Turkey south to Israel and Jordan

Habitat

Found in the more luxuriant type of macchia vegetation and as undergrowth in woods, usually near the sea[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Viburnum tinus is a plant of mainly Mediterranean climates, though it can grow surprisingly well in other areas of the Temperate zone with mild winters. It can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c[, ].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in both acid and alkaline soils but it is ill-adapted for poor soils and dry situations[, ]. Prefers a deep rich loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[] but flowers better in a sunny position[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Best if given shade from the early morning sun in spring[]. Thrives in moderate shade but is better in full sun[]. A fairly wind resistant plant but it requires shelter from cold northerly and north-easterly winds[, ].
A very variable plant, there are a number of named varieties[, ]. Fast growing when young, though slowing with age[].
Very tolerant of pruning, plants quickly regenerate even from old wood[].
Plants give off an offensive smell in wet weather[].
Plants occasionally self-sow in Britain[].
Plants are self-incompatible and need to grow close to a genetically distinct plant in the same species in order to produce fruit and fertile seed[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast growing informal hedge that responds well to trimming. It is fairly wind-tolerant, though it can be damaged in the most exposed positions[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking more than 18 months. If the seed is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it has fully ripened) and sown immediately in a cold frame, it should germinate in the spring[]. Stored seed will require 2 months warm then 3 months cold stratification and can still take 18 months to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of soft-wood, early summer in a frame[]. Pot up into individual pots once they start to root and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm long with a heel if possible, mid summer in a frame[, ]. Plant them into individual pots as soon as they start to root. These cuttings can be difficult to overwinter, it is best to keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame until the following spring before planting them out[].
Cuttings of mature wood, winter in a frame. They should root in early spring - pot them up when large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if sufficient new growth is made, otherwise keep them in a cold frame for the next winter and then plant them out in the spring.
Layering of current seasons growth in mid summer. Takes 15 months[].