An evergreen shrub that flowers right through the winter, when almost nothing else does, and follows with dark metallic berries.
'Gwenllian' is compact and densely branched, and it flowers hard through the cold months. From late autumn to early spring it carries clusters of deep pink buds opening to white flowers, followed by dark metallic blue-black berries that hold into the summer for the birds. It has an RHS Award of Garden Merit, and the neat habit makes it as good in a container as it is in an informal hedge.
Plant it in most well-drained soils, chalk and clay included, in full sun or partial shade. Laurustinus grows wild on sea cliffs and takes a coastal garden well, though it does want shelter from the fiercest drying winds. Water it through its first season; after that it is drought tolerant and needs little more than a light trim once the flowers are over. The berries are harmful if eaten.
Supplied as an established plant in a 19cm, 3 litre pot, ready to plant out or pot on.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Laurustinus
Fully Grown Height and Spread: 1.5 to 2m tall and wide
Growth Habit: Bushy, dense and rounded
Perfect For: Informal hedging, screening, mixed borders, larger containers and wildlife gardens
Foliage: Evergreen, glossy dark green oval leaves
Flowering Time: Late autumn to spring, flat heads of pink buds opening white
Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade, good in a coastal garden with some shelter, and drought tolerant once established
Soil Type: Most well-drained soils, including chalk and clay
Hardiness: Fully hardy across Britain
Maintenance: Low; a light trim after flowering if it needs shaping
Seasonal Interest: Flowers from late autumn through winter into spring, with berries into the summer
Type: Evergreen shrub
