Troubleshooting
Laurustinus Viburnum problems — and how to fix them
Laurustinus Viburnum (Viburnum tinus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Viburnum beetle
Larvae shred leaves to a lacy skeleton in late spring, with adults feeding later. Inspect undersides of leaves, prune out egg-laid twigs in winter, and treat only heavy attacks.
Leaf and bud loss in hard frost
As a borderline-hardy evergreen it can drop leaves or blacken buds in severe cold and wind. Site in a sheltered spot and avoid the coldest, most exposed positions.
Phytophthora root rot
Wilting and dieback in wet, poorly drained soil. Plant on free-draining ground, never let it sit waterlogged, and remove affected plants promptly.
Powdery mildew and leaf spot
Foliar disease in crowded, humid plantings. Improve airflow with spacing or thinning and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
Prevent laurustinus viburnum problems before they start
Most laurustinus viburnum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for laurustinus viburnum in general rather than its problems? Read the full laurustinus viburnum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Laurustinus Viburnum problems — FAQ
Why is my laurustinus viburnum viburnum beetle?
Larvae shred leaves to a lacy skeleton in late spring, with adults feeding later. Inspect undersides of leaves, prune out egg-laid twigs in winter, and treat only heavy attacks.
Why is my laurustinus viburnum leaf and bud loss in hard frost?
As a borderline-hardy evergreen it can drop leaves or blacken buds in severe cold and wind. Site in a sheltered spot and avoid the coldest, most exposed positions.
Why is my laurustinus viburnum phytophthora root rot?
Wilting and dieback in wet, poorly drained soil. Plant on free-draining ground, never let it sit waterlogged, and remove affected plants promptly.
Why is my laurustinus viburnum powdery mildew and leaf spot?
Foliar disease in crowded, humid plantings. Improve airflow with spacing or thinning and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.