How to Grow Viburnum Tinus Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Viburnum tinus hedge is an evergreen shrub that can be used as a hedge or as a standalone plant in your garden. It is hardy and can tolerate frost and snow. It has dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring.

How to Grow Viburnum Tinus Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Viburnum hedge
  • Viburnum lantana
  • Viburnum plicatum
  • Viburnum opulus
  • Viburnum x burkwoodii

Basic info

  • Viburnum tinus is an evergreen shrub that is native to Mediterranean countries.
  • It is a popular plant for hedges and topiary.
  • Viburnum tinus can grow to a height of 3-6 m (10-20 ft).
  • The leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong, and dark green in color.
  • The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters.
  • The fruit is a dark blue drupe.
  • Viburnum tinus is sensitive to cold weather and should be protected from frost.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
  • It is tolerant of salt spray and pollution.
  • Viburnum tinus is an easy plant to grow and is low maintenance.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

How to Grow

  1. For viburnum tinus hedge, first step is to buy healthy saplings from a nursery or garden center.
  2. In the second step, choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade.
  3. The third step is to prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grasses from the site.
  4. Next, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball of the sapling.
  5. After that, place the sapling in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  6. In the sixth step, water the sapling deeply.
  7. Seventh step is to mulch around the base of the sapling to help retain moisture.
  8. Eighth step is to prune the sapling as needed to encourage branching.
  9. In the ninth step, fertilize the sapling in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. The tenth and final step is to water the sapling regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Related plant:
Mohican Viburnum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, a viburnum tinus hedge will do just fine in most average garden soil. It is not too fussy and will even tolerate a fair amount of clay. Just make sure the soil is not too wet and that it has good drainage. If you are not sure about your soil, you can always improve it by mixing in some compost or other organic matter.

Light condition

Just like other viburnum tinus hedges, this one also needs at least six hours of sunlight each day to maintain its compact growth habit and its dark green leaves. If it does not get enough sun, the hedge will become leggy and its leaves will become lighter in color.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for a viburnum tinus hedge are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of hedge can also withstand occasional brief periods of colder or hotter weather, but it will not do well if exposed to prolonged extreme temperatures.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. They will do okay in lower or higher humidity, but too much or too little can cause the plant to suffer. If the leaves start to turn brown or curl, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough humidity.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this type of plant responds best to a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. An all-purpose fertilizer will do, but make sure it is one that is specially formulated for shrubs and trees. As far as the roots go, this plant has a taproot system. This means that it has one large, main root that goes straight down into the ground. There are also many smaller roots that branch out from the main root.

Light requirement

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your viburnum tinus hedge looking its best. Regular pruning will encourage new growth and keep the hedge dense and compact. When pruning, always cut back to just above a pair of leaves. This will help the plant to produce new growth from the base.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Take cuttings from new growth that has not flowered. Cuttings should be around 10-15cm in length and taken from the middle of the shoot. Cuttings should be inserted into a well-drained propagating mix and placed in a propagator or covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Keep at a temperature of 18-21C. Rooting should take place within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot up the plants into individual pots and grow on in a cool, light position. Overwinter in a cool greenhouse or frame. Plants can be planted out in late spring or early summer once they have reached around 30cm in height.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 24 and 36 inches per year. If you are looking to add privacy to your home, this is an excellent plant to consider. Not only will it provide you with the coverage you need, but it will also add beauty to your landscape.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, Aphids, and scale insects. The powdery mildew looks like a white powder on the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Aphids are small, green insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Scale insects are small, brown insects that suck the sap out of the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your viburnum tinus hedge regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Feed your hedge with a high-quality fertilizer once a year to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune your hedge regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  • Be sure to mulch around the base of your hedge to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  • Place your hedge in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
  • Avoid planting your hedge in soil that is too wet or too dry.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could affect your hedge and take action immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
  • Harvest the berries from your hedge when they are ripe and use them in pies, jams, or other culinary creations.
  • Use the leaves of your hedge in dried flower arrangements or wreaths.
  • Enjoy the beauty of

Alternative Plants

  • Viburnum trilobum.
  • Viburnum tomentosum.
  • Viburnum lantana.
  • Viburnum opulus.
  • Viburnum davidii.
  • Viburnum plicatum.
  • Viburnum x carlcephalum.
  • Viburnum x juddii.
  • Viburnum x rhytidophylloides.
  • Viburnum x burkwoodii.

Source:
Viburnum Diseases - Penn State Extension
WhatÂ’s eating my viburnums and how can I stop it?
ENH-816/ST659: Viburnum odoratissimum: Sweet Viburnum

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category