Laurustinus Viburnum tinus 'Little Bognor'

Water

Laurel 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.

Light

Laurel 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.

Temperature

Laurel 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.

Pruning

Laurel 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.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Laurel 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.

Repotting

Laurel 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 & Misting

Laurel 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 locations

• Indoor

  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 cycle

Viburnum 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.

Propogation

• Propogation 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.