As the name suggests, the Laurustinus (botanically known as *Viburnum tinus*) hails from the sunny Mediterranean. While this shrub is generally pretty low-maintenance, it won’t thrive just anywhere. Choosing the right spot in your garden is the secret to keeping this beauty happy and healthy.
What makes a Laurustinus feel at home?
Being a Mediterranean native, the Laurustinus—also commonly called Evergreen Viburnum—definitely prefers a milder climate. While it is somewhat hardy, it isn’t built for extreme deep freezes. The perfect spot for it is warm and sheltered from the wind. Those icy winter gusts can be a real dealbreaker for this shrub.
When it comes to soil, think “well-draining.” It likes the ground to stay fresh and moist, but it absolutely hates having “wet feet” (standing water). Since this viburnum is a bit of a heavy feeder, it loves rich, loamy soil packed with nutrients. Aim for a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5 for the best results.
What does “somewhat hardy” actually mean?
A Laurustinus can handle a bit of frost, but prolonged cold snaps or freezing winds can cause some serious damage. The longer the freeze lasts and the lower the mercury drops, the higher the risk of your shrub suffering.
The good news? Setting up some winter protection is quick and easy. Apply a thick layer of mulch or brushwood over the root ball and loosely wrap the shrub in garden fleece. Just make sure it can still breathe! Don’t forget to give it a drink on frost-free days, too. Once the main blooming season kicks in, you can unwrap it as soon as the weather permits.
The ideal location at a glance:
- Warm and sheltered from the wind
- Full sun to partial shade
- Avoid harsh, direct winter sun
- Soil: Fresh to moist but well-draining; rich in organic matter
- Ideal pH: 5.5 to 7.5
How much room does it need?
This viburnum can reach heights of up to ten feet, though you can easily prune it back if it gets too tall for your liking. It has a lovely, airy growth habit and usually spreads about three feet wide, so it won’t take up a massive amount of real estate in your garden.
Pro Tip: If you live in a region with mild winters, your Laurustinus has a great chance of thriving outdoors year-round. A little bit of winter prep goes a long way in keeping it cozy!
