Winter is not usually associated with green, live and flowering plants. And it is normal, since the harsh conditions that frost and cold bring with them leave most vegetables without enough energy to be able to create fruits and flowers. However, we can enjoy the flowers of some plants, such as the Viburnum tinus, also known as durillo. Although we can grow this plant in the garden, we also have the option of decorating our home or terrace with it. That is why we are going to talk in this article about the potted durillo.
Apart from explaining what this beautiful vegetable is, we will talk about the care it requires, the pests and diseases that can affect it, how much it can grow and when it begins to bloom.
What is the durillo?
Before talking about how to care for the potted durillo, let's explain what it is to better understand this vegetable. When we talk about Viburnum tinus, we refer to a native plant of the Iberian Peninsula. This grows wildly in the mountains of Spain, along with other vegetables such as kermes, oaks, mastic y strawberry trees. Despite sharing space with so many plants, the durillo does not go unnoticed.
As its name suggests, the shrub known as Durillo is of proven hardness. It is extremely resistant, as it withstands both the sun and the shade, and also the cold and heat. This plant always retains its green color, regardless of the season in which we are. And not only that, but it also blooms in winter, which is the most difficult time for vegetables due to frost and constant low temperatures.
The first thing he does Viburnum tinus is to show their heads in the shape of pink buttons. These will end up giving rise to the pretty little white flowers that form bouquets worthy of even the most demanding of brides. Without a doubt It is a plant that is very worth growing if we want to enjoy some beautiful winter flowers.
How to care for the potted durillo plant?
Now that we know what the Viburnum tinus, we are going to talk about the care of the potted durillo and also in the garden. As can be expected for its rusticity, it is a fairly easy to maintain and undemanding shrub. The location, for example, is not very important, as it is able to survive both the sun and the shade. In addition, as we have already mentioned above, it is resistant to both heat and cold, to some extent.
Regarding the type of land, the durillo is not very demanding. Nevertheless, yes it is true that you prefer a good drainage, both in the garden and in a pot. Therefore we should ensure that our Viburnum tinus It is in a pot with holes in the base. In order to prevent the roots of this shrub from puddling, it is best to mix the soil with some sand. Another aspect that we must take into account so that you do not suffer from excess water is irrigation, which obviously It should be moderate. Durillo generally tolerates excess water much less than drought. In fact, if we have this plant in the garden, in winter it will hardly be necessary to water it.
As can be expected when dealing with a shrub, the Viburnum tinus needs to be pruned from time to time. The strongest pruning should be done when the flowering season ends. However, we can do small tweaks. The only thing we must watch out for is not to harm the cocoons that are in the development phase. This is valid both for the potted durillo and in the ground.
Durillo pests and diseases
Again it should be noted that the Viburnum tinus it is an extremely hardy shrub. It not only supports different temperatures well, but also It is quite difficult for fungi, insects, diseases or parasites to affect it. However, it can be affected by a fungus or the annoying aphid.
It is possible that if the durillo is in a shady place, a fungus called powdery mildew may appear, at least during the spring and fall. If this happens to us, you have a very simple solution. Simply spray it with a multipurpose fungicide, such as difenoconazole. Nevertheless, It is always best to prevent than to cure. One option would be to find a sunnier place to place the plant. If this is not possible, we can try to improve the aeration of the interior of the durillo by pruning. In this way we will be able to reduce the risk of humidity considerably.
In the event that the Viburnum tinus be affected by aphids, we may use certain products in order to remove it. For example, we could apply Neem oil or potassium soap.
How much does the durillo grow?
In the soil, with optimal growing conditions and good care, el Viburnum tinus it can reach between four and five meters in height. However, it is difficult for it to reach these dimensions when in a pot. But if this is big enough, it could be the case. In any case, the most common is that this shrub grows according to the preferences of its caretaker.
When does Viburnum bloom?
While the leaves remain green throughout the year, The white flowers of the durillo stand out for blooming during the least expected season of the year: winter. For this reason the Viburnum tinus It is a very popular shrub to have in gardens or in pots. The flowers of this plant are hermaphroditic and develop in corymbs.
The fruits begin to appear in autumn and they are metallic blue and ovoid in shape. As these are kept in the durillo for a very long period of time, this plant has a greater ornamental appeal during the winter.
If you still don't have a potted durillo, don't wait any longer and buy one to enjoy beautiful flowers surrounded by green leaves in winter.