The Story
Plant Bio
Viburnum tinus is a dense, evergreen Mediterranean shrub featuring opposite, leathery, dark green leaves that develop bronze or purple tones during cold winter weather. The species produces flat-topped clusters of small flowers from late winter through mid-spring, which subsequently mature into metallic blue-black drupes.
'Spring Bouquet' is a compact, upright-mounding cultivar that reaches a mature height and width of five to six feet, making it significantly smaller than the straight species. It is distinguished by its tighter growth habit and deep pink buds that open to reveal blush-white flowers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72"
Width
72"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Multi-decade
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late winter – Mid-spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil, tamp down lightly to remove air pockets, and water deeply to settle the roots.
- Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering finishes; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new buds from regenerating.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
- Prune immediately after the spring bloom to preserve the following year's flower buds.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot pathogens.
Don't
- Do not shear the shrub into tight, formal geometric shapes, which strips away flowering wood.
- Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers that stimulate weak, leggy growth.
- Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools or soil remains compacted and waterlogged.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Laurustinus questions
What zones can Laurustinus grow in?
Laurustinus is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Laurustinus deer resistant?
Yes — Laurustinus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Laurustinus bloom?
Laurustinus typically blooms in late winter through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Laurustinus need full sun?
Laurustinus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Laurustinus drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Laurustinus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Viburnum to compare

Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago

Snowball Viburnum
Viburnum opulus 'Sterile'

Autumn Jazz Arrowwood
Viburnum dentatum 'Autumn Jazz'

Korean spice viburnum
Viburnum carlesii

Blue Muffin Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum 'Christom'

Mariesii Japanese Snowball
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Laurustinus with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.



