Shrubs

Shining Laurustinus

Viburnum lucidum

Viburnum lucidum is an evergreen shrub featuring glossy leaves and white flowers appearing in spring and summer. It is commonly grown for hedges and borders due to its dense foliage.

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Attributes

Type

Shrub, evergreen

Spread

2.5 – 4.0 m

Soil

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Min. temperature

-10 °C

Data: Royal Horticultural Society, Missouri Botanical Garden

Evergreen Attracts pollinators

Care guide

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Height

2–4 m

Hardiness

Medium

Flowering

Spring–Summer

Foliage

Evergreen

Safety

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

In Cyprus

Viburnum lucidum, which the RHS also lists as laurustinus ‘Lucidum’, is a vigorous evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. According to the RHS it grows in anything from full sun to full shade. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H4 under UK conditions; in Cyprus, suitability for frost-prone areas depends on the local microclimate and planting conditions. It adapts to chalk, clay, loam or sand across a wide pH range, provided drainage is good, and the RHS advises shelter from cold, drying winds. On the hot lowlands a little afternoon shade may help in summer, though that is a growing judgement rather than a tested rule. After it is well established, give supplementary water according to soil moisture and weather. Planting is usually in autumn or spring.

Uses in gardens and projects

Grown freely it reaches about 2.5–4 m in height and spread according to the RHS, which makes it a standard choice for dense evergreen hedges and boundary screens around homes, hotels and public spaces; regular trimming keeps it smaller. In large beds it gives a steady green backdrop. Small creamy-white flowers in flattened heads up to about 10 cm across appear mainly from late winter into spring, followed by blue-black berries.

Frequently asked questions

How tall does Viburnum lucidum grow?: The RHS gives about 2.5–4 m in height and spread when grown freely. The figures are indicative; as a clipped hedge it is kept lower.
When does it flower?: Mainly from late winter into spring, with small creamy-white flowers in flattened heads.
How much water does it need?: It needs well-drained soil. Once well established, water as needed according to soil moisture and weather, especially in the dry months.
Are the berries poisonous?: The fruit is ornamental and not to be eaten, so keep it away from people and pets. The RHS recommends wearing gloves when handling the plant.