Viburnum tinus - Laurustinus

Family:	Caprifoliaceae
Habit:	Shrub
Height:	3.5
Width:	3.5
Synonyms:
Range:	S. Europe. A garden escape in Britain[17].

Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) is a Shrub which grows to a height of 3.5m and a width of 3.5m . It has a fast growth rate. It has a hardness rating of 7.
Laurustinus will flower in June to August. the seeds ripen from April to May
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Laurustinus will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Laurustinus prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Laurustinus can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Found in the more luxuriant type of macchia vegetation and as undergrowth in woods, usually near the sea[11].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Can be used as a hedge

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in both acid and alkaline soils but it is ill-adapted for poor soils and dry situations[1, 202]. Prefers a deep rich loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[11] but flowers better in a sunny position[182]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Best if given shade from the early morning sun in spring[200]. Thrives in moderate shade but is better in full sun[11]. A fairly wind resistant plant but it requires shelter from cold northerly and north-easterly winds[75, 200]. This species is hardy to about -10°c, it does not thrive in the colder areas of the country[182]. A very variable plant, there are a number of named varieties[11, 182]. Fast growing when young, though slowing with age[202]. Very tolerant of pruning, plants quickly regenerate even from old wood[202]. Plants give off an offensive smell in wet weather[182]. Plants occasionally self-sow in Britain[17]. 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[11, 200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

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[80]. Stored seed will require 2 months warm then 3 months cold stratification and can still take 18 months to germinate[113]. 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[200]. 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[78, 113]. 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[113]. 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[78].

Scented parts of the plants

Leaves : Crushed

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A fast growing informal hedge but it can be damaged in the most exposed positions[75].

• Hedge - Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Cultivars

'' - No entries have been made for this species as yet.

References

Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Bean. W.
Author: Bean. W.
Rating:
Publisher : A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
Date of Publication : 1981

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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