Viburnum tinus – An Elegant Evergreen with Winter Flowers

Viburnum tinus is a reliable evergreen shrub that brings year-round colour, texture, and interest to gardens. Best known for its masses of pink-tinged buds that open into clusters of white flowers in the coldest months, it provides valuable winter cheer when little else is in bloom. After flowering, it produces small metallic-blue berries that birds adore, adding even more wildlife value.

This versatile shrub has a neat, bushy habit and glossy dark green leaves that provide structure and backdrop planting throughout the seasons. Easy to grow and highly adaptable, Viburnum tinus is perfect for hedges, mixed borders, or as a specimen shrub. Its ability to thrive in sun or shade makes it a top choice for gardeners looking for a tough yet decorative evergreen.

General Information

Viburnum tinus is native to the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in mild climates. It has been grown in UK and Irish gardens for centuries thanks to its durability and decorative qualities.

• Growth habit: Dense, upright, and bushy evergreen shrub

• Height & spread: 2–3m tall and wide, though it can be pruned smaller

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, oval leaves with a leathery texture

• Flowers: Pinkish buds opening to flat clusters of white blooms from late autumn through spring

• Fruit: Metallic-blue berries following flowers, attractive to birds

• Position: Grows well in full sun, partial shade, or even fairly deep shade

• Hardiness: Fully hardy, tolerates frost and wind

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil but adapts to most conditions except waterlogged sites

• Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening, specimen planting, or mixed borders

Its long flowering season and evergreen foliage make it a valuable structural plant, especially in winter gardens when other plants are dormant.

Care Guide

Viburnum tinus is very low-maintenance once established, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Planting

• Plant in autumn or spring for best establishment.

• Choose a site with well-drained soil enriched with compost.

• Space plants 1–1.5m apart for hedging or group planting.

• Mulch after planting to help retain moisture.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to help establish roots.

• Once mature, it is drought-tolerant, only needing water in extended dry periods.

• Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required; trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches.

• Can be pruned harder if used as a hedge, but avoid cutting into old wood.

Protection

• Fully hardy across most regions, though young plants benefit from shelter in severe frost.

• Generally resistant to pests, though aphids and viburnum beetle may occasionally appear—keep plants healthy to minimise problems.

Why Choose Viburnum tinus?

Viburnum tinus is one of the most useful evergreens for year-round beauty and winter interest. Its dark glossy leaves provide structure, while its fragrant flowers and colourful berries make it a wildlife-friendly option too.

• Winter interest: Flowers from autumn through spring, when little else is in bloom

• Evergreen: Glossy leaves provide year-round structure

• Wildlife-friendly: Berries attract birds, and flowers support pollinators

• Versatile use: Ideal as hedging, screening, or a specimen shrub

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow

With its long flowering season, tough nature, and elegant looks, Viburnum tinus is an excellent choice for adding colour, structure, and wildlife value to the garden all year round.

• Size
  25-30

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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