Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum'
VARIEGATUM LAURUSTINUS, LAURUSTINUS
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Pronounced: vy-BUR-num TIN-us
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 8-10.
Heat zone: 10-8.
Mature size:
Height: 10 feet (3 m).
Width: 10 feet (3 m).
Flowering period:
Fall to early spring.
Flowering attributes:
Pink buds from late autumn to early spring open to flattened cymes of white flowers appear in late winter months, followed by blue metallic berries.
Leaf attributes:
Ovate to oblong green leaves broadly margined with creamy yellow.
Light:
Full sun to light shade.
Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods:
Softwood cuttings in early summer.
Hardwood cuttings in early autumn.
Pruning Methods:
Prune after flowers fade. Prune out dead or broken branches.
Pests and Diseases:
Gray mold, rust, downy mildew, and Verticullum wilt, and leaf spots may occur. Aphids and weevils may be problematic.
Rainy Side Notes
This variegated, Mediterranean shrub is a fascinating addition to any Northwest garden. In 1997, my garden specimen came to me as a six-inch cutting and now stands approximately six to seven feet tall, with no disease or pest problems.
Since Viburnum tinus species and cultivars have laurel like leaves, its common name is laurustinus. For hedging this evergreen broadleaf shrub is a superior alternative to laurel. Anyone who grows laurel hedges knows what a chore it is to keep them pruned. Growing Viburnum tinus to its full height and width potential not only creates a fantastic hedge for privacy but also keeps pruning down to a minimum.
Since this shrub is a Mediterranean plant, it tolerates our annual summer droughts with ease. In the colder parts of our maritime climate, it is better suited to grow in a warm sheltered position. Whether for its flowers or foliage, this is an extraordinary addition to the winter landscape as well as looking great year round.
For flower arrangements, use the foliage as background all year round, in winter, the pinkish red flower buds insert additional interest, and in late winter to early spring the fragrant white flowers add another dimension to the bouquets.
Photographed in author's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton