Laurustinus Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price'
ABOUT
Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', often referred to simply as laurustinus, is an ornamental plant known for its aesthetic appeal throughout the seasons. This evergreen shrub boasts a dense and bushy appearance with a profusion of glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush, vibrant backdrop all year round. The leaves themselves are oval-shaped with a slightly toothed edge, creating a textured look on the branches. The plant is adorned with an abundance of flower buds in late autumn, which are a striking deep pink-red color. As winter progresses, these buds open to reveal delicate blush-pink to white blossoms arranged in flat-topped clusters, which are commonly known as cymes. The flowering period extends into early spring, offering a long-lasting display that is both visually appealing and a valuable source of food for pollinating insects during the cooler months. Following the flowering season, laurustinus produces metallic blue to black berries that are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife, offering yet another layer of interest to the garden. Each berry is small and ovoid, nestled amongst the foliage, and they contribute to the plant's ornamental value well into the summer before they are consumed by the visiting fauna. In general, Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' is celebrated for its robust presence in the landscape, providing structure, color, and a rich tapestry of textures that change and evolve throughout the seasons. Its versatile nature allows it to be used in various garden settings, such as in borders, as a specimen plant, or even as part of a hedgerow, contributing to its popularity among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Adoxaceae
Synonyms
Laurustinus, Laurustinus Viburnum, Eve Price
Common names
Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Laurustinus is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, ingestion of its berries can potentially cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is advised to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs and symptoms manifest.
To pets
Laurustinus can also be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, especially the berries, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence. Owners should contact a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of the laurustinus plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Year-round interest: Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' offers attractive foliage, flowers, and berries at different seasons.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for various climates.
- Versatility: It can be used in borders, as a hedge, or as a stand-alone specimen.
- Wildlife attraction: Its flowers attract pollinators, while the berries are a food source for birds.
- Evergreen: The plant retains its leaves throughout the year, providing constant greenery.
- Hardiness: It is resilient in many climates, able to withstand cold temperatures once acclimatized.
- Compact growth: 'Eve Price' is a compact variety, making it suitable for small gardens or tight spaces.
- Decorative flowers: Produces clusters of lightly fragrant flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Varietal interest: 'Eve Price' is known for its pinkish-white flowers and metallic blue berries, adding unique color to plantings.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Natural Privacy Screen: Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' can be grown as a dense hedge, providing privacy to gardens and yards without the need for fences or walls.
- Topiary or Ornamental Shapes: With regular pruning, this plant can be sculpted into various shapes, such as balls or cones, making it an attractive feature in formal gardens.
- Foundation Planting: Due to its compact size and evergreen nature, it serves well as a foundation plant, adding aesthetic appeal to building bases and hiding unsightly areas.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in a thick row, the dense foliage can help reduce noise pollution from streets and neighbors.
- Wildlife Shelter: The thick branches and leaves provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals within the garden ecosystem.
- Border Planting: 'Eve Price' is excellent for creating defined borders along walkways or between different sections of a garden.
- Windbreak: When planted in a row, Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' can act as a windbreak, protecting other plants and garden features from strong winds.
- Seasonal Interest: Its flowers in late winter and early spring bring color and interest to the garden during a time when many plants are not in bloom.
- Container Gardening: It can be grown in large containers to decorate patios, terraces, or balconies where ground planting isn't an option.
- Backdrop for Other Plants: Its dark, glossy leaves provide a perfect backdrop for highlighting the colors of flowering annuals and perennials in mixed garden beds.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Laurustinus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Laurustinus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Renewal: Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', commonly known as Laurustinus, often blooms during late winter into early spring, symbolizing the idea of new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Eternal Love: The plant's ability to stay green throughout the year, with its evergreen leaves, represents enduring affection and timeless love.
- Protection: In some cultures, Laurustinus is believed to offer protection due to the plant's dense growth, which can provide a natural barrier.
- Prosperity: The prolific flowering of Laurustinus can symbolize growth, abundance, and the idea of thriving, which is often connected to prosperity in various aspects of life.
- Water
The Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', commonly known as Laurustinus, needs consistent watering to maintain moist soil, particularly in dry periods. Initially, while the plant is establishing during the first couple of years, it should be watered deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons of water, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Once established, watering can be reduced. During the growing season, make sure the plant receives at least 1 inch of water weekly, either from rainfall or manual watering. If you're using a hose or drip irrigation, water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Light
Laurustinus prefers a spot where it can receive full to partial sunlight. The plant will thrive with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it also tolerates partial shade, though flowering may be reduced in less light. Ideally, plant it where morning sunlight can reach it while providing some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent scorching.
- Temperature
Laurustinus is quite tolerant of a range of temperatures and can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9. However, for optimal growth, it prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate brief periods of colder weather but should be protected from extreme temperatures and harsh winter winds.
- Pruning
Pruning Laurustinus is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthier, denser growth. It should be pruned immediately after it finishes flowering in late spring or early summer to avoid cutting off next year's flower buds. Remove any dead or diseased wood, thin out older stems to encourage new growth, and lightly shape the outside of the plant if needed. This plant does not require heavy pruning, so just a light annual trim is often sufficient.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Laurustinus 'Eve Price' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. A blend of two-thirds loam and one-third compost or well-rotted manure with additional perlite or coarse sand for drainage is ideal for this plant.
- Repotting
Laurustinus 'Eve Price' should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil. It's best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Humidity & Misting
Laurustinus 'Eve Price' is adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with outdoor conditions. It doesn't require high humidity environments typically found indoors.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Laurustinus 'Eve Price' in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Laurustinus 'Eve Price' in partial shade to full sun, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', commonly known as laurustinus, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in a moist and shaded environment. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, growing roots and a stem that will develop into a shrub. As the plant matures, it enters a phase of vegetative growth, developing a bushy structure with multiple stems, evergreen leaves, and the capacity to withstand mild frosts. During the reproductive stage, which often starts in late winter to early spring, laurustinus blossoms, producing dense clusters of small, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small, blue-black berries, which serve as a food source for birds and help with seed dispersal. The plant can live for many years, continuing to grow and produce flowers and berries annually as it reaches its full mature size.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', commonly known as Laurustinus, is by semi-ripe cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. A 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting is taken from a healthy, semi-ripe stem, which means it's not too soft or too woody. The leaves at the lower end are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The pot needs to be kept at a stable temperature and in indirect light, ensuring that the medium stays moist but not waterlogged to promote rooting without rot. Roots usually develop in a few weeks, after which the young plants can gradually be accustomed to normal growing conditions.