Viburnum tinus

Common name: laurustinus

Description: A reliable, dense evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves, valued for its long season of flower. Flattened clusters of creamy-white flowers, often pink-tinged in bud, open over a long period from late winter into spring, followed by decorative metallic-blue berries that ripen to black.

Other benefits: long winter/spring flowering season, excellent for hedging and screening, low maintenance, tolerant of pollution and coastal sites

Wildlife attraction: bees, birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.8m x 1.5m

Position: full sun, partial shade or full shade, sheltered from cold winds

Soil pH: acid, neutral or alkaline; tolerant of chalk

Moisture: moist but well-drained

Winter hardiness: hardy to around -10°C