Viburnum Eve Price

Viburnum Eve Price, also known as ‘Laurustinus’ and a recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a compact spreading, medium sized evergreen shrub that is widely grown for its attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and Winter berries.

This variety of Viburnum is a compact and bushy shrub that grows up to 2.5 metres tall and wide. Its oval leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The leaves are about 10cm long and 5cm  wide. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems.

In the Winter months, the shrub produces clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers that are highly fragrant. These flowers bloom from late Autumn through early Spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. After the flowers fade, the plant produces berries that are initially green but turn to a metallic blue-black colour as they mature. These berries persist through the Winter and are a valuable food source for birds.

It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It can also grow in full sun or partial shade, although it produces more flowers in full sun. The plant is drought tolerant but benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods.

This variety is commonly used as a hedge plant or as a border shrub. It is also suitable for planting in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or as a foundation planting. Its evergreen foliage and Winter berries provide year-round interest and its fragrant flowers are a highlight in Winter gardens.

Overall, this is a versatile and attractive shrub that is ideal for adding year-round interest to a garden. Its fragrant Winter flowers and colourful berries make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

How to care for your Viburnum Eve Price

• Watering: It is drought-tolerant, but it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells. Water deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If your soil is heavy and clayey, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Fertiliser: Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in Spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Prune the shrub after flowering to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown stems to maintain a compact habit.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant with organic matter, such as shredded leaves or bark chips, to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Sunlight: Can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it produces more flowers in full sun, so consider planting it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

By following these simple care instructions, you can ensure that your Viburnum Eve Price remains healthy, vigorous, and attractive year-round.