Prunus lusitanica

Portugal Laurel is a hardy, evergreen tree that will keep your garden looking less bare through the winter season. It is versatile and has a variety of uses.

Prunus lusiticana can be planted as a hedge or a screen to block out an unsightly neighbours fence and also makes a great windbreak in higher and exposed areas. If you want to try your hand at topiary, it can be clipped into a geometric or ornamental shape or even something more challenging like an animal or a fairytale figure to thrill the children!

This lovely tree grows to a conical shape with dark green, lustrous, glossy elegant leaves that stand out against the new shoots which have a distinct red hue. In early summer the tree offers fragrant racemes of creamy white flowers, followed by red fruits that turn to dark purple-black in autumn.

Plant your Portugal Laurel in soil that is well drained and choose full sun or partial shade. It is however, very tolerant and can also thrive in heavier shade and exposed areas, making it a great choice for more difficult gardens. If left unpruned your tree will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 8m in a 20 year period. If you are looking to create a lovely hedge, plant your trees 2 to 3m apart and prune into shape.

Prunus lusitanica will ensure that your garden is never bare through the cold winter!