Laurustinus Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor'
ABOUT
Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its decorative features and resilience. The plant showcases a dense, rounded, and bushy appearance, marked by a lush canvas of dark green leaves. These leaves are oval-shaped with a slightly toothed edge and have a notable leathery texture. Throughout the seasons, the foliage maintains its vibrant color, providing a constant backdrop in gardens. Adding to its charm are the flowers, which emerge in late winter through to spring, offering a splash of color during the cooler months. The blooms are small, yet abundant, arranged in flattened clusters that resemble bouquets. Typically, the flowers start as pink buds, hinting at the explosion of color to come. As they open, they reveal their true nature - delicate white or slightly pink-tinged petals - which exude a subtle, sweet fragrance that entices various pollinators. Following the flowering period, the plant often produces berries, transitioning in color over time. Initially, the berries may appear red, but as they mature, they darken to a deep, blue-black. These berry clusters are not only attractive but also provide a food source for birds and wildlife, adding an ecological benefit to its aesthetic appeal. Overall, 'Little Bognor' presents a multi-dimensional visual interest through its foliage, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries, making it a favored choice for gardeners looking to add year-round beauty to their landscapes without reference to specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Adoxaceae
Synonyms
Laurustinus, Laurestine
Common names
Viburnum tinus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Laurustinus may be toxic if ingested by humans. There is limited information specifically about Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor', but in general, members of the Viburnum genus contain compounds that can cause mild to moderate toxicity when eaten. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount consumed. It is always prudent to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to potential toxic properties.
To pets
Laurustinus may be toxic to pets if ingested. As with its toxicity to humans, there is limited specific information about the 'Little Bognor' cultivar. However, Viburnum species in general are known to contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious symptoms, and veterinary attention should be sought if poisoning is suspected. Owners should ensure that pets do not consume any part of ornamental plants like Laurustinus.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet [1.2-1.8 meters]
Spread
4-6 feet [1.2-1.8 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-round interest: Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor' offers ornamental value throughout the year with its evergreen foliage, flowers, and berries.
- Low maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and tolerating a range of soil conditions.
- Durable: The plant is hardy and can withstand frost, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Versatile landscaping: Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, borders, hedges, or container planting.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the berries are a food source for birds during winter.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its dense, dark green leaves, pinkish-white flowers, and blue-black berries, it adds aesthetic appeal to any garden space.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor', commonly known as Laurustinus, can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge due to its dense foliage.
- Its evergreen leaves and low maintenance needs make Laurustinus suitable for topiary or formal garden designs, allowing it to be shaped aesthetically.
- The plant can be included in coastal gardens as it shows a degree of salt tolerance, thus suitable for areas near the sea.
- Laurustinus is often used to create a backdrop for other colorful plants in a mixed border, providing year-round structure and greenery.
- The berries of Laurustinus can be used for decorative purposes in floral arrangements and wreaths, especially during the winter months.
- Since the flowers of Laurustinus are attractive to pollinators, it serves as a beneficial plant in wildlife gardens or nature preserves.
- Its dense habit makes it effective for noise reduction when planted in mass along busy roads or around communal spaces.
- Laurustinus can provide erosion control on slopes or areas prone to heavy rain due to its robust root system stabilizing the soil.
- It can be used in theme gardens, such as white gardens, where it emphasizes other plants with white blooms or foliage.
- In creative arts, the branches and leaves of Laurustinus may be used in crafts for making natural dye or for printing botanical patterns on fabric.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Laurustinus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Laurustinus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Viburnum often blooms early in the spring, symbolizing fresh beginnings and the renewal of nature after winter.
- Persistence: As an evergreen shrub, Viburnum tinus represents resilience and the ability to endure through challenging conditions.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, Viburnum is sometimes associated with providing shelter and protection.
WaterLaurel Viburnum, commonly known as Viburnum tinus, prefers moist soil, but it's important to avoid waterlogging. Water young plants regularly to ensure the soil remains evenly moist. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and typically require less frequent watering. During dry periods, water thoroughly every one to two weeks with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring you're reaching the root zone. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, but don’t let the soil dry out completely.
LightLaurel Viburnum thrives in partial shade to full sun. It is adaptable and can tolerate a variety of light conditions, but the ideal spot for this plant would be one where it can receive dappled sunlight throughout the day or direct sunlight in the morning with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureLaurel Viburnum is hardy and can handle a temperature range from around 20°F to 80°F. They prefer a cooler climate and may struggle with the heat if temperatures consistently exceed this range. The ideal temperature for Laurel Viburnum would be between 50°F and 70°F, providing a balance that supports healthy growth.
PruningLaurel Viburnum benefits from pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased branches. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Buds form on old wood, so take care not to remove too much of the prior year's growth to ensure plentiful blooms. Regular pruning every year or two is often enough for maintaining a neat appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLaurel Viburnum (Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor') thrives in moderately fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. A soil mix containing equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand can provide the necessary drainage and nutrient balance. Adding organic matter like compost can also enhance soil structure and fertility.
RepottingLaurel Viburnum does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 3-5 years. Check the root system in the spring, and if the roots are circling the pot and look crowded, it's time to repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil mix.
Humidity & MistingLaurel Viburnum tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to moderately high humidity. While it can adapt to less humid conditions, maintaining a good level of ambient moisture will promote lush foliage and healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, and mulch annually.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA.
Life cycleViburnum tinus 'Little Bognor', commonly known as Laurustinus, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the plant emerges from seeds usually in spring under appropriate conditions of soil temperature and moisture. Following germination, it enters a vegetative growth stage, developing a root system and foliage through photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. As the plant matures, it enters a pre-reproductive stage, where it allocates energy to grow larger and stronger in preparation for flowering. The reproductive phase follows, usually occurring in late winter to early spring, during which the plant produces flowers that are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs. After pollination, the plant sets fruit, yielding small ovoid blue-black berries, with each bearing a viable seed, completing its reproductive cycle. The life span of Laurustinus can extend for many years, during which it will repeatedly enter a vegetative state and a reproductive phase, creating a continuous cycle of growth and renewal.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter
The most popular method of propagating Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor', commonly known as Laurustinus, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done during the summer months when the current season's growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. To propagate using this method, gardeners take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in length from healthy, non-flowering stems. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The cutting should be kept consistently moist and in a shaded, warm environment until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
