Plant Database

Other Names:  Laurustinus Viburnum

Description:

An attractive evergreen shrub that is smaller growing, producing white clusters of flowers over a long period from late winter until spring, followed by fruits in summer that turn deep purple-blue; can tolerate more shade than most viburnums

Ornamental Features

Spirit Laurustinus features showy cymes of lightly-scented white star-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from late winter to early spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds. The deep purple fruits are held in abundance in spectacular clusters in mid summer. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges dark red in spring. The glossy pointy leaves remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Spirit Laurustinus is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Spirit Laurustinus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Spirit Laurustinus will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.