What soil does Laurustinus grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Laurustinus hardy?

Hardy down to -12 °C (USDA zone 8, RHS H5). Outdoors in this country it only survives with winter protection, or in a pot overwintered frost-free.

How far from the house should Laurustinus be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Laurustinus be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1.2 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2 plants per metre.

When does Laurustinus flower?

Flowering: November–May, white, pink.

How much water does Laurustinus need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Laurustinus cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 2,500 to HUF 28,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Laurustinus

Viburnum tinus

Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -12 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,500.

Illustration of Laurustinus — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A Mediterranean evergreen viburnum with dark, glossy foliage that flowers from late autumn in mild winters, otherwise from late winter into spring: pink buds open into white, scented flower heads, followed by metallic blue berries. It is not fussy about soil, puts up with lime, and once established handles summer drought well. Frost is its weak point, so plant it only in a warm, wind-sheltered corner or at the foot of a wall, or keep it in a tub.

Watch out for

In Central Europe winter hardiness is its weak point: shoots and flower buds are damaged below about -12 °C, and at around -15 to -17 °C the bush dies back, in a hard winter right to the ground. It usually resprouts from the base but does not flower that year, so in colder areas it belongs only in a very sheltered spot or in a tub, with the base mulched. Early morning winter sun scorches frozen leaves. Among pests the viburnum beetle chews holes in the foliage, and aphids and leaf spot also occur; in waterlogged soil it gets root rot.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -12 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D November–May, white, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	1.8–3.6 m × 1.8–3 m
Hardiness	down to -12 °C (USDA 8, RHS H5)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	November–May, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 2,500

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-20 cm	approx. HUF 2,800
20 cm	approx. HUF 2,500
20-30 cm	approx. HUF 2,800
50 cm	approx. HUF 17,000
size not stated	approx. HUF 2,600 – HUF 28,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Plants for screening Evergreen plants Shrubs for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance shrubs Plants for a Mediterranean garden Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

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