Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ – The Compact Evergreen with Soft Pink Buds and Winter Appeal
Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its long-lasting pink buds, white winter flowers, and neat, rounded shape. A refined selection of the species, ‘Spirit’ is ideal for smaller gardens, containers, and low hedging, offering year-round greenery and floral interest during the colder months. Its dense habit, pollution tolerance, and weather resistance make it a practical and attractive choice for urban or exposed garden sites.
Why Grow Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’?
Charming Winter Blooms – ‘Spirit’ is loved for its rosy-pink flower buds, which open into small white blooms from autumn through spring, bringing subtle colour and fragrance to the garden when little else is flowering.
Compact Growth – Smaller and more manageable than standard Viburnum tinus, ‘Spirit’ has a rounded, bushy form that makes it perfect for tight spaces, pathway borders, or container gardening.
Evergreen Structure – The shrub retains its dark green, glossy leaves year-round, adding reliable structure and lush texture in both formal and informal settings.
Low Maintenance & Hardy – ‘Spirit’ is easy to care for, tolerant of urban pollution, and thrives in a variety of soils and conditions. It’s also resistant to wind, making it ideal for coastal or exposed sites.
Height of Plant
Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ typically reaches a height of around 1.2–1.5 meters (4–5 feet) and spreads to about 1 meter (3 feet), making it well-suited to smaller gardens, raised beds, or foundation planting.
Where to Site Your Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’
This versatile shrub works well in:
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Low hedging or edging, offering structure and colour throughout the year.
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Containers, where its compact form and winter flowers make it a perfect patio feature.
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Urban gardens, due to its pollution and wind tolerance.
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Winter-interest borders, where it brightens darker seasons with subtle floral displays.
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Small gardens, where space is limited but year-round impact is desired.
How to Grow and Care for Your Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’
Soil – Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but tolerates most types, including clay, chalk, and loam, provided drainage is adequate.
Light – Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Sun encourages better flowering, but it remains attractive and healthy even in shadier spots.
Watering – Water regularly during the first year after planting. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant, though flowering improves with consistent moisture.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – Lightly prune in late spring after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. It responds well to gentle clipping.
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Feeding – Use a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally trouble-free, though keep an eye out for aphids or viburnum beetle. Prompt attention to any issues will maintain plant health.
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Cold Hardy – Withstands temperatures down to -15°C, making it suitable for most temperate climates.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ pairs beautifully with winter-flowering companions like hellebores, skimmia, and heathers, offering a harmonious winter planting. In containers, combine with trailing ivy, ornamental grasses, or heucheras for long-lasting texture and colour.
In mixed borders, it makes a wonderful backdrop to spring bulbs like snowdrops, daffodils, or hyacinths, and contrasts nicely with deciduous shrubs or grasses that offer different forms and seasonal interest.
With its compact habit, evergreen foliage, and winter-flowering charm, Viburnum tinus ‘Spirit’ is a smart, stylish choice for gardens of all sizes. Whether used in pots, low hedges, or winter borders, it provides reliable performance with minimal effort.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
