Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ detail (29/11/10, London)

Position: Full sun to full shade

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Winter and spring.

Eventual Height: 3m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Adoxaceae

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is an evergreen domed shaped shrub with a dense habit. Its dark green glossy leaves are ovate to elliptical with an entire margin, opposite, up to 10cm long and 4cm broad. Its young stem growth is red, turning brown with age. The pink flower buds open to small, star-shaped white fragrant flowers in the form of dense cymes which are up to 10cm across. These are followed by small dark blue/ black drupes which are up to 7mm long. This cultivar has a denser habit than the species.

The species Viburnum tinus, commonly known as Laurustinus, Laurustinus Viburnum or Laurestine, is native to the entire Mediterranean region. In its native habitat it grows in shady moist conditions.

The etymology of the binomial name Viburnum is derived from the classical Latin name for Wayfaring tree, Viburnum lantana. Tinus is derived  from the Latin name for the species, Laurustinus, which was a former name for Viburnum

The landscape architect may find Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ useful as a robust evergreen shrub which provides winter interest, particularly in shady locations. It may also be used as a formal or informal hedge. It is tolerant of maritime climates.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ (29/11/10, London)

Ecologically, Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is attractive to winter pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to birds, particularly in the winter months.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ has won the prestigious Royal Horticultural Societies annual Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ requires little maintenance. Dead or damaged growth may be cut back  in May.