Portuguese Laurel Hedging Information

Prunus Lusitanica or Portuguese Laurels

Evergreen hedges. They are part of the cherry laurel family. A fantastic alternative as they do not grow as fast, have a more formal appearence and just as easy to grow.

They do make great hedges and they are easy to grow as they can be grown in moist well drained soils , then even thrive in poor shallow chalky soils.

There are a few varities that we grow

Prunus Brenlia - it is very similar to Angustifolia variety but has larger leaves. The stalks and new stems are rich burgundy red throughout the year. It grows moderately and very dense into a regular, pyramidal shrub.

Prunus Lusitanica - has narrow, pointed, deep-green glossy leaves borne on striking, maroon-coloured stems. Small, fragrant white flowers blossom in summer

Prunus Lusitanica Myrtifolia / Angustifolia - it has longer and narrower leaves grown on reddish purple stems giving it an interesting appearance and providing some additional colour during the year.

Pruning Prunus Hedging

They are very easy to prune and need to be done about twice a year. Once trimmed they form a lovely shaped hedge, looking very formal.

Dislikes

Prunus lusitanica don't really have any dislikes as they are happy to be grown in cold and exposed sites, heavy clay soils, even suitable for full shade.

Feeding Prunus

They need just a general purpose feed such as chicken pellets or bonemeal this can be done twice a year