Viburnum Tinus hedge is a winter flowering evergreen form of hedging. Its dense bushy form has dark green foliage that shows off scented flowers in the winter months. Another popular variety is Guelder Rose hedge which produces white lace-cap flower heads in spring followed by juicy red berries in the autumn.
Choose from our most popular varieties of Viburnum Hedging plants, available in a range of sizes and root types.
Viburnum tinus hedge is a winter flowering evergreen form of hedging. Its dense bushy form has dark shiny leaves that shows off scented flowers in the winter months.
Growth rate: Medium 20-40cm per year
Overall height: Compact up to 1.5 metres
Position: Sheltered, Full Sun
Root Types: Pot Grown
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Viburnum hedge plants are a popular choice for hedges due to their attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and ease of maintenance.
Laurustinus 'Eve Price' is a stunning variety known for its winter flowering, with white flowers emerging from pink buds, dark-green foliage, and blue-black fruits that attract birds.
These shrubs belong to the genus Viburnum and there are over 150 species within this group.
They can be found in both deciduous and evergreen forms, with some being native to North America while others originate from Asia, Europe or Africa.
Viburnum hedge plants offer numerous advantages, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Their versatility and robustness allow them to thrive in a variety of conditions, providing year-round interest and practical benefits for your garden landscape.
Attractive Flowers: Viburnum plants produce clusters of beautiful fragrant flowers that can range in colour from white to pink. Before blossoming, the Viburnum tinus shrub showcases striking pink buds that contrast with its glossy, oval-shaped leaves.
Evergreen Varieties: Evergreen Viburnums, such as Viburnum tinus, maintain their vibrant foliage throughout the year, offering consistent visual interest.
Deciduous Options: Deciduous varieties provide changing seasonal displays, with leaves turning stunning shades of red and orange in autumn.
Low Maintenance: These plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep.
Wildlife Friendly: Viburnums attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with their flowers, and birds with their berries, supporting local biodiversity.
Versatile Uses: Suitable for formal hedges, informal screens, or specimen planting, Viburnum hedge plants can be utilised in various garden designs.
Year-Round Interest: From spring blooms to autumn foliage and winter berries, Viburnum provides seasonal interest throughout the year.
Resilience: Many Viburnum species are resistant to pests and diseases, making them a durable choice for the garden.
Viburnum hedges can be planted at various times of the year, but the optimal period is during the cooler months of autumn or early spring. Planting during these seasons allows the roots to establish themselves before the heat of summer or the cold of winter sets in.
Choose the Right Location: Selecting a suitable site is crucial. Viburnum plants prefer well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. However, avoid waterlogged areas as this can lead to root rot.
Prepare the Soil: Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This boosts soil fertility and improves drainage.
Spacing and Depth: Space the plants according to the variety and the desired density of your hedge. Typically, placing them 3-4 feet apart works well for most Viburnum species. Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball and ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Planting: Place the Viburnum plants in the prepared holes, backfill with soil, and gently firm around the base. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Leave a gap around the stem to prevent rotting.
Initial Care: Newly planted Viburnums need regular watering until established, particularly during dry spells. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Viburnum hedge spacing is an important factor to consider when planting your new hedge. Please see our table below for the correct plant spacing for different sizes of pot grown Viburnum.
Understanding the growth rates of different Viburnum species helps you plan the development of your hedge. While growth rates can vary based on growing conditions, soil quality, and care techniques, Viburnum plants generally have moderate to fast growth rates.
For instance, Viburnum tinus can grow approximately 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) per year under optimal conditions. Meanwhile, Viburnum opulus (also known as the guelder-rose) typically grows at a similar rate, reaching its mature height in a few years with proper care and favourable conditions. Certain Viburnum varieties have even received the Award of Garden Merit, highlighting their excellence and suitability for garden cultivation.
Viburnums are remarkably adaptable to a range of soil types, making them suitable for various garden environments. However, for optimal growth, they prefer well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Loamy soils are ideal as they retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. It is possible to grow Viburnum in clay soils if improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and aeration. Sandy soils, while facilitating good drainage, may need additional compost or organic mulch to retain adequate moisture for the plants.
When choosing a location for planting your Viburnum hedge, consider the following factors to ensure the best possible growth:
Sunlight: Most Viburnum species thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they are quite tolerant of shade, they tend to produce better flowers and fruit in sunnier locations.
Wind Exposure: Heavy winds can damage Viburnum plants or cause them to dry out quickly. Choose a sheltered spot or provide windbreaks for more exposed sites.
Frost Protection: Some evergreen varieties may need frost protection during harsh winters, so consider this when selecting the position for your hedge.
Once established, Viburnum hedges require minimal maintenance. Here's how to keep them in top condition:
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain the desired shape and encourages more prolific blooming. Remove any dead or damaged branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
Feeding: An annual application of a balanced hedge fertiliser in the spring supports healthy growth and flowering.
Pest and Disease Management: While Viburnums are generally resilient, keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant issues.
Watering: Established Viburnum hedges are fairly drought-resistant, but they will thrive with occasional deep watering during dry periods.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Viburnum hedge remains a striking and functional addition to your garden.
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health and appearance of your Viburnum hedge. Proper pruning practices not only shape your hedge but also promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Below are the key steps and tips for pruning Viburnum hedging:
Determine the Best Time: The optimal time to prune Viburnum hedges is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This allows the plant to focus its energy on new shoots and flowers.
Use Sharp Tools: Ensure your pruning shears or loppers are sharp and clean to make precise cuts and prevent the spread of disease.
Remove Deadwood: Begin by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve airflow and overall plant health.
Shape the Hedge: Lightly trim the hedge to your desired shape, focusing on maintaining a natural look. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flowering.
Thin Out Crowded Branches: Thin out any congested areas to prevent overcrowding and ensure sunlight reaches the interior branches.
Encourage New Growth: Trim back some of the older branches to encourage new, vigorous growth and more prolific blooming.
Post-Pruning Care: After pruning, feed your Viburnum hedge with a balanced fertiliser and water it thoroughly to help recover from the stress of pruning.
By following these steps, you can keep your Viburnum hedge looking pristine and promote its health and growth.
Regular watering and feeding routines are fundamental for the health and vitality of your Viburnum hedge. Here are some specific guidelines:
Young Plants: For newly planted Viburnum, consistent watering is crucial in the first year, particularly during dry spells. Water deeply to ensure the roots are well-hydrated.
Established Plants: Once established, Viburnum plants are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during extended dry periods. Aim to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Seasonal Considerations: Water during early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation. In colder climates, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in the winter months.
Timing: Feed your Viburnum hedge in the early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support the growing season.
Type of Fertiliser: Use a balanced fertiliser formula, such as a 10-10-10 (N-P-K) mix, which provides essential nutrients for healthy growth and flowering. Organic alternatives, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can also provide beneficial nutrients.
Application: Spread the fertiliser evenly around the base of the hedge, taking care not to let it touch the stems. Lightly work it into the soil and water thoroughly to help the nutrients penetrate the root zone.
By following these watering and feeding practices, you can ensure your Viburnum hedge remains robust, lush, and an attractive feature in your garden for years to come.
While Viburnum hedges are generally hardy, they can occasionally experience issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Aphids: These tiny insects can cause deformed leaves and stunted growth. Control them with insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybirds into your garden.
Viburnum Beetle: This pest can defoliate your Viburnum hedge. Keep a lookout for eggs on the underside of leaves in early spring and remove any you find. Neem oil or insecticides can help manage severe infestations.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Improve air circulation by thinning out branches and avoid overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays can also help.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot can cause unsightly lesions on leaves. Remove and dispose of affected foliage and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
By staying vigilant and addressing issues promptly, you can maintain the health and appearance of your Viburnum hedge.
