The Viburnum tinus It is a plant that can be found naturally in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a very resistant shrub, which, thanks to its hardness, is suitable for cultivation by beginners and plant lovers without much time. But what does this plant have to make you want to incorporate it into your home or garden?
Nothing less than a beautiful flowering of white bouquets, which you can enjoy during the winter, that time of year when so few plants are able to show their best face. If you want to learn how to cultivate Viburnum tinus at home, keep reading us in this EcologíaVerde article.
Characteristics of the Viburnum tinus plant
Commonly called durillo, wild laurel, marfull or laurentino, the Viburnum tinus it’s a hardy shrub which, in its natural environment, can reach heights of up to 3 meters, being possible to cultivate it to look like a tree.
It is an evergreen plant, these being oval and leathery, bright green and with the underside covered with a layer of fine hairs. Its flowering occurs at the end of winter and continues until spring, with flowers that emerge from small pink buds and open in showy clusters of up to 10 cm. Its fruits with small berries or dark blue spheres, showy and pretty too.
It is common to use it in gardens for spaces in the form of hedges or simply as shrubs or small trees. Its great resistance allows it grow even in coastal environmentssupporting the sea breeze.
Location for Viburnum tinus
Laurustinus can be grown both in full exposure and semi-shade, depending on the space you can give it. However, what this plant does not adapt well to is indoors: find a corner in your garden, where it will grow without problems as long as it has some light.
Of course, if you give him a full sun exposurethe plant will have many fewer chances of being attacked by fungi, so if you can afford it, give it light. Otherwise, it will be enough for you to check it in times of warm temperatures and high humidity, treating it with homemade and ecological methods if the need arises.
As for the temperature, the Viburnum tinus will be able withstand punctual frosts as long as they are brief, but prolonged ones can cause severe damage.
Do not hesitate to consult the following EcologíaVerde article if you are interested in learning about other outdoor plants resistant to cold and heat.
Viburnum tinus irrigation
Like most plants of Mediterranean climate, this shrub tolerates drought quite wellwhich means that, when in doubt, it is better to fall short of the risks than to overdo it.
- during the warm months: Water when the soil is dry below the surface.
- during the cold months: It will be rare that you have to water your Laurustinus.
Only if the leaves show signs of drying out too much will you need to add some water fortnightly or monthly. Never puddle the soil when watering, as we always recommend. This causes rot in the roots of almost any plant and damage that is difficult to repair.
So that you have more information on the subject, we leave you this other article on The best water for plants.
Soil for Viburnum tinus
The most important thing (and practically the only thing too) is that you look for your Laurustinus an area with well drained soil. Clay soils tend to get waterlogged, so the wild laurel is not very friendly to them. Water in your garden before planting and find an area where the water does not accumulate or puddle. If it drains well and quickly, it will be a good spot.
If you don’t have adequate soil, you can always remove a good area somewhat larger than your bush and prepare a mixture with sandwhich improves the drainage properties of the soil.
Fertilizer for Viburnum tinus
This plant is not demanding in terms of nutrients, so it will suffice, in the months of activity and before flowering begins, to give the plant a supply of compost or earthworm humus. About two fingers applied around the base of the plant, fortnightly or monthly, will suffice.
Discover How to make homemade compost in the following EcologíaVerde post that we recommend.
Viburnum tinus pruning
It is common to apply training pruning to this type of bushes in order to adapt them to the aesthetic or space needs of each zone. Ideally, pruning after flowering. As always, use sharp tools and disinfect them before pruning. Also, remove branches, leaves or parts in poor condition whenever you see them.
Reproduction of the Viburnum tinus
The simplest and fastest method of reproduction of this plant is, by far, the cutting. Take the cuttings in spring or autumn, using at least semi-woody branches that have already partially lignified. You can use the same pruning branches without any problem.
Laurustinus cuttings tend to root easily and very successfully, although you can maximize their chances by using homemade rooting hormone and potting them up with especially rich and suitable seedling mix. Once the plant has taken root and gained strength, approximately one month afteryou can transplant it wherever you want.
Take a look at the following article on How to apply rooting hormones to cuttings.
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