What hardiness zones is Viburnum tinus suitable for?

Viburnum tinus is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Viburnum tinus?

Viburnum tinus requires Full Sun.

How much water does Viburnum tinus need?

Viburnum tinus has Medium water needs.

1 / 8

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Viburnum tinus

Adoxaceae

Mediterranean Basin — southern Europe, North Africa, western Asia

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m)

Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)

Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

An upright to rounded evergreen shrub reaching 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide. Leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, thick, leathery, and glossy dark green with a slightly lighter underside. Stems are reddish when young, maturing to gray-brown. Flower buds form in fall and persist through winter as pink to red-tinged clusters at stem terminals. Buds open to flat-topped cymes 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across of small, fragrant, white flowers with a faint pink blush from November through April, depending on climate. Peak bloom in mild Pacific Northwest winters occurs from January through March. Fruits are ovoid, metallic blue drupes approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long, ripening to black, and persisting from spring into summer. Growth rate is moderate, adding 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) per year. Plants reach mature size in 5-8 years. Leaf spot and powdery mildew may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Foliage can suffer burn in sustained cold below 10°F (-12°C). Plants may become semi-evergreen in zone 7 during severe winters.

Native Range

Native to the Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Found in maquis scrubland, forest margins, and rocky hillsides from sea level to 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a hedge, screen, or background shrub at 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8 m) spacing. Valued in winter gardens for its November-through-April bloom period. Functions as a foundation planting or courtyard specimen where winter flowers and fragrance can be appreciated. Grows in containers of at least 7 gallons (27 L); container plants benefit from winter protection in zone 7.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy, dark green, elliptic leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long on reddish young stems. Pink to red-tinged flower buds are conspicuous from fall through winter before opening to white flowers. Flat-topped flower cymes, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, appear during winter and early spring. Metallic blue drupes, approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long, ripen to black. Distinguished from V. davidii by its larger mature size, absence of prominent parallel leaf veins, and winter rather than spring bloom period.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 12'

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

WinterSpring

Flower buds color from October onward. Flowers open from November through April, with peak bloom from January through March in zones 8-9. In zone 7, bloom may be delayed until February or March. Individual flower clusters persist 2-3 weeks; total bloom period extends 12-16 weeks across the winter-to-spring transition. Fruits develop following bloom and persist from May through August.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White with pink blush; buds pink to red-tinged

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, thick, leathery; reddish young stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysandchalk

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Once established, plants tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks but flower and fruit more heavily with consistent moisture. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, provided drainage is adequate. Apply 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic mulch annually. Site in full sun for densest habit and heaviest flowering; tolerates partial shade but bloom is reduced. In zone 7, site against a south- or west-facing wall for winter protection and additional warmth. Leaf spot (Cercospora) and powdery mildew may develop in humid, still-air locations; improve air circulation by thinning interior growth. Viburnum beetle does not typically affect this species.

Pruning

Prune immediately after the main flowering period ends in late spring. Remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent legginess. Plants respond well to heading cuts and can be maintained as a formal or informal hedge with annual shearing after bloom. Renovation pruning to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in late spring is tolerated; regrowth takes 1-2 years to reach flowering size.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic