Viburnum tinus 'Compactum'
shrub RHS Award

Compact Laurustinus

Viburnum tinus 'Compactum'

$29.50
Expertly Curated
Real-Time Pricing
Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Berries mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum tinus is a dense, evergreen shrub known for its long blooming season, producing fragrant flowers from late winter to spring, followed by metallic blue berries. 'Compactum' is a smaller, denser, and more rounded form of the species, making it ideal for smaller gardens, low hedges, and foundation plantings.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides outstanding year-round interest with its glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant winter-to-spring flowers, and attractive blue-black fruit. Its dense, compact form is highly valued in landscape design.
Practical UsesExcellent for creating low formal or informal hedges and privacy screens. Its tolerance for pruning makes it easy to maintain at a desired size for foundation plantings or large containers.
Ecological BenefitsThe flowers provide an important early-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The dark berries that follow are a valuable food source for birds in late summer and fall.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks
Ships Year Round
<1 Gal Pot
In Stock$29.50

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a site with full sun or light shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
  3. Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
  4. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill with native soil, firming gently to remove air pockets.
  6. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location sheltered from harsh winter winds to prevent leaf scorch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
  • Provide good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
  • Prune immediately after flowering to avoid sacrificing next year's blooms.
  • Mulch in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Don't

  • Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
  • Avoid heavy pruning, as it can ruin the natural shape.
  • Don't allow mulch to touch the base of the stems.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can promote weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Versatile evergreen foundation plantFragrant winter-blooming hedgeContainer specimen for patios

Companion Plants

Helleborus orientalis Sarcococca confusa Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun' Camellia sasanqua Daphne odora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Compact Laurustinus questions

What zones can Compact Laurustinus grow in?

Compact 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 Compact Laurustinus deer resistant?

Yes — Compact Laurustinus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Compact Laurustinus bloom?

Compact 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 Compact Laurustinus need full sun?

Compact Laurustinus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Compact Laurustinus drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Compact Laurustinus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Compact 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.

Download Sow on the App StoreGet Sow on Google Play