One of the most popular hedging plants, Viburnum tinus is easy to manage, has good dense growth and attractive foliage. Better suited as a smaller hedge than V. odoratissimum.
With good dense bushy foliage and mid to deep green foliage Viburnum Tinus is widely used as an evergreen hedging plant. Viburnum Tinus (picture right) is sometimes commonly called the ‘Laurustinus’ tree or plant.
V. tinus is used both as flowering shrub or screening plant. Very popular with landscapers as it has a moderate growth rate. White flowers in summer follow the pink buds in abundance in spring.
Key Features
- Dense, evergreen foliage
- Ideal for hedging and screening
- Moderate growth rate
- Tolerates coastal conditions
- White flowers from pink buds
Flowering
Pink buds appear from late winter, opening to clusters of white flowers through spring and into early summer.
The flowers add seasonal interest and will attract bees and beneficial insects to the garden.
Viburnum Tinus Varieties
- V. tinus ‘Eve Price’- A smaller rounded form with white flowers.
- V. tinus ‘Variegatum’ – Variegated foliage as the name suggests, not widely offered in Australia.
- V. tinus ‘Anvi’ – Viburnum tinus ‘Anvi’ is an improved evergreen shrub with denser growth, glossier foliage, larger, more abundant white flowers from pink buds, and heavier purplish-blue berry production than standard Viburnum tinus.
How To Grow Viburnum Tinus – Basic Care
Growing well in part shade to full sun this Viburnum also does well in coastal conditions. Reaching 3 -4 m and being frost tolerant of the viburnums, V. Tinus makes a great hedging plant and can also be used at the rear of the garden border as a background plant.
It will grow in light shade however exposure to full for part of the day is sun is best
The fruits are regarded as being mildly toxic to humans and animals.
Like most large shrubs Viburnum tinus should be planted at least 2m from houses and other buildings 3m is better.
Viburnum Tinus Hedges
Excellent as a smaller hedge to around 1.5 – 2m in height as it is slower growing than others. Smaller foliage also makes for a neater hedge after pruning. It can be grown to 3m, however seems happier if kept a little smaller.
Plant Viburnum tinus at around 1m apart or at 70cm for a quicker dense hedge. Pruning can be carried out in early spring, or light pruning at any time of the year except during very cold spells.
Problems
Avoid damaging the stem or trunk with line trimmers as this can basically ringbark, or girdle the plant causing the plant to die.
Other problems include, wet soggy soils, drought and dry soils especially in young plants. Prolonged exposure to hot drying winds,
Pruning
Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
- Light pruning can be done through the year
- Avoid pruning during very cold weather
- Older plants respond well to hard pruning for rejuvenation, best done after the last frost
Root System
Viburnum tinus has a relatively shallow root system.
- Most feeder roots are in the top 30 cm of soil
- Deeper roots may extend beyond 45 cm
Mulching and consistent watering will help maintain healthy growth.
How Fast Does Viburnum tinus Grow?
Growth rate is considered moderate.
Under good conditions, expect around 30–60 cm of growth per year. Growth will be faster in warm climates with regular watering and feeding.
Uses in the Garden
Viburnum tinus is a versatile shrub suited to many landscaping uses:
- Formal and informal hedging
- Screening for privacy
- Background planting in borders
- Feature shrub in smaller gardens
Its dense growth makes it particularly effective as a low to medium-height hedge.
Companion Plants for Viburnum tinus
Viburnum tinus works well with other hardy shrubs and perennials.
Suitable companions include:
- Lavandula angustifolia
- Westringia fruticosa
- Lomandra longifolia
- Hebe species
These plants share similar requirements and can be used for layered planting.
Viburnum tinus vs Viburnum odoratissimum
Both are popular hedging plants, however there are some key differences:
- Viburnum tinus:
- Smaller leaves
- Slower growth
- Better for lower hedges
- Viburnum odoratissimum:
- Larger leaves
- Faster growing
- Better for taller screening
Summary
- Botanical Name: Viburnum tinus
- Common Names: Laurustinus
- Height: 3–4 metres
- Spread: Around 3 metres
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Foliage: Glossy green
- Flowers: White (from pink buds)
- Flowering Time: Late winter to early summer
- Frost Tolerance: Yes
- Coastal Tolerance: Yes
Other Viburnum Varieties
Further Reading
- VIBURNUM NURSERIES IN AUSTRALIA
- VIBURNUM NURSERIES IN THE UK
- VIBURNUM NURSERIES IN THE USA
- Viburnum ‘Emerald Lustre‘
Where To Buy
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au