Laurestinus
viburnum tinus
Also known as: ["Laurestinus viburnum","Laurustinus"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its glossy leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers followed by blue-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum tinus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or as a specimen plant in garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to good drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; in hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; tolerates temperatures between -10°C and 30°C; prefers mild, temperate conditions.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering in extreme temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; reduce feeding in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; layering can also be successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to encourage branching; selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant to maintain form; encourage bushier growth; remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, pruning saw for large branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting for rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth or bud drop in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn purple or bronze; growth slows; severe cold can damage buds or cause dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in extreme cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer in early spring; follow label instructions; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume Viburnum tinus berries. The toxic compounds can cause irritation and discomfort in the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Viburnum tinus berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds in the berries may cause irritation to the stomach and intestines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicViburnum tinus contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The berries are the most toxic part, containing substances that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum tinus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Viburnum tinus require full sun?
A: It tolerates partial shade but thrives in full sun for best flowering.
Q: How often should Viburnum tinus be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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