1 / 5Key characteristics
- Family
- Adoxaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet (mature size)
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Pink buds open to white flowers
- Foliage color
- Dark green, evergreen
- Bloom time
- Winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average; drought tolerant at maturity
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers, and birds eat the berries
Shrubs
Viburnum tinus 'Spirit'
Spirit Laurustinus
Viburnum tinus 'Spirit' is an evergreen shrub valued for its year-round appeal and extended flowering season. From November through May, the plant produces clusters of small pink buds that open into slightly scented white flowers, offering seasonal interest in the colder months. These blooms give way to blue-black berries in summer, further enhancing its ornamental value. Its glossy, dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop throughout the year, making it a versatile choice for gardens.
Companion plants
Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth
Design tip
Strengthen the winter garden with ‘Spirit’ in areas where evergreen foliage alone can feel monotonous. Its pink buds and white flowers bring changing color from late fall into spring, followed by summer berries that extend interest well beyond the flowering season.
More shrubs

Camellia x vernalis 'Kokinran'
Kokinran Camellia
Blooms reddish-pink with white variegation
Partial shade

Rhododendron aberconwayi
Lord Aberconway's Rhododendron
Blooms creamy white with tinges of pink and spotted throats
Partial shade

Rhododendron rex ssp. fictolacteum
False Milky-yellow Rhododendron
Blooms creamy white to white (sometimes faintly pink-flushed) with a crimson blotch and spotting
Part shade

Pieris japonica 'Little Heath'
Little Heath Pieris
Blooms white or pale pink
Partial shade to full sun