2 named cultivars

shrub

Laurustinus

$89.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum tinus, laurustinus, is a dense upright broadleaf evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean and North Africa, reaching six to twelve feet. Lustrous dark green oval leaves cover it year round, flat clusters of small flowers open from pink buds to white through winter and early spring, and metallic blue-black berry-like drupes follow.

It flowers through winter, opening pink buds to white heads from late autumn into spring, which is unusual and valuable in an evergreen of this size. The berries that follow are an unusual metallic blue, and birds take them. It is one of the better evergreens for coastal and salt-exposed gardens in mild regions.

Uses & Benefits:

Pink buds opening to white flower heads right through winter, then metallic blue-black berries.

A dense evergreen hedge that flowers in the off season and tolerates coastal exposure.

Bees and butterflies use the winter flowers, and songbirds take the fruit.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78 inches

Width

78 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean Europe and North Africa

Toxicity

Berries are not edible

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.
Allow six to ten feet of width at maturity.
Water through the first two summers to establish it.
Prune straight after the winter flowers finish.
Shear lightly if you want a formal hedge.
Shelter it from hard, drying winter winds inland.

Pro Tip

Prune it as the winter flowers fade — later cuts take off the buds that would have opened the following winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune right after the winter flowers ✂️
Use it in coastal and salt-exposed sites 🌊
Give it well-drained soil 🌱
Allow eight feet of width 📏

Don't

Prune it in summer or autumn ❌
Plant it in heavy, wet ground ❌
Expect it to be hardy below zone 8 ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen hedge or screen in mild regionsCoastal and seaside plantingWinter interest in a mixed border

Companion Plants

Hellebore Camellia MahoniaAutumn Fern Rosemary

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Laurustinus questions

What zones can Laurustinus grow in?

Laurustinus is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. 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 winter to early spring 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.