Practical
Plants

Viburnum tinus

Laurustinus

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
3.5 m
Spread
3.5 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Material uses

A fast growing informal hedge but it can be damaged in the most exposed positions[8].

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
S. Europe. A garden escape in Britain[4].
Habitat
Found in the more luxuriant type of macchia vegetation and as undergrowth in woods, usually near the sea[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking more than 18 months. If the seed is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it has fully ripened) and sown immediately in a cold frame, it should germinate in the spring[10]. Stored seed will require 2 months warm then 3 months cold stratification and can still take 18 months to germinate[3]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of soft-wood, early summer in a frame[6]. Pot up into individual pots once they start to root and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm long with a heel if possible, July/August in a frame[9][3]. Plant them into individual pots as soon as they start to root. These cuttings can be difficult to overwinter, it is best to keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame until the following spring before planting them out[3]. Cuttings of mature wood, winter in a frame. They should root in early spring - pot them up when large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if sufficient new growth is made, otherwise keep them in a cold frame for the next winter and then plant them out in the spring. Layering of current seasons growth in July/August. Takes 15 months[9].

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, succeeding in both acid and alkaline soils but it is ill-adapted for poor soils and dry situations[1][7]. Prefers a deep rich loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[2] but flowers better in a sunny position[5]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Best if given shade from the early morning sun in spring[6]. Thrives in moderate shade but is better in full sun[2]. A fairly wind resistant plant but it requires shelter from cold northerly and north-easterly winds[8][6]. This species is hardy to about -10°c, it does not thrive in the colder areas of the country[5]. A very variable plant, there are a number of named varieties[2][5]. Fast growing when young, though slowing with age[7]. Very tolerant of pruning, plants quickly regenerate even from old wood[7]. Plants give off an offensive smell in wet weather[5]. Plants occasionally self-sow in Britain[4]. Plants are self-incompatible and need to grow close to a genetically distinct plant in the same species in order to produce fruit and fertile seed[2][6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  9. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  10. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

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