Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' – Elegant, Evergreen Hedging with Glossy Foliage for Privacy & Year-Round Appeal

The Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is a refined evergreen shrub, known for its glossy, narrow leaves and dense, upright growth. This compact and elegant variety of Portuguese Laurel is perfect for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, or adding structure to garden borders. With its rich, dark green foliage and delicate white flower spikes in summer, Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' offers both beauty and functionality, providing year-round interest and a sophisticated backdrop for any landscape.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

Spring: Bright new shoots emerge, showcasing a deep green colour that quickly fills out.
Summer: White, fragrant flower spikes bloom, adding a delicate touch to the lush foliage.
Autumn: Foliage remains rich and glossy, maintaining a consistent structure in the garden.
Winter: Evergreen – retains vibrant leaves and continues to provide a sleek, dense barrier throughout the cold months.

Structure & Form

Height & Spread: Grows up to 3–4m tall and 2–3m wide; can be pruned to suit smaller spaces or maintained for a more compact form.
Narrow, Upright Growth: Features slim, lance-shaped leaves that offer a refined, architectural appearance.
Evergreen Foliage: Keeps foliage year-round, providing consistent colour and structure in all seasons.
Slow-Growing: Naturally slow-growing, making it easier to manage and maintain without frequent pruning.

Perfect for Various Landscapes

Privacy Screens & Boundaries – Creates a dense, luxurious screen for both large and small spaces.
Formal Hedges & Edging – Ideal for neatly clipped formal hedges or as a border plant.
Urban & Coastal Gardens – Tolerates pollution and coastal conditions, making it a perfect choice for city gardens.
Mixed Shrub Borders – Adds texture and elegance when combined with other shrubs, perennials, or flowers.
Contemporary & Traditional Gardens – Suits a range of garden styles, from sleek modern designs to classic English gardens.

Growing Conditions & Care

Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with best results in bright, well-lit areas.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but adapts to a variety of soil types, including slightly acidic or alkaline conditions.
Hardiness: Fully hardy; withstands frost, cold winds, and urban pollution.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance – light pruning once or twice a year to maintain shape and size.
Watering: Regular watering is recommended until the plant is established; drought-tolerant once mature.

Why Choose Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia'?

• Elegant narrow foliage with a glossy finish provides year-round interest.

• Ideal for creating privacy and protection in both large and small spaces.

• Slow-growing and low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain shape.

• Evergreen, providing structure, colour, and protection through all seasons.

• Resilient, adapting well to urban, coastal, and varied garden conditions.

Perfect Plant Combinations

Boxwood (Buxus) – Pair with boxwood for added textural contrast and an extra layer of greenery.
Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Create a striking contrast with this red-leaved shrub for a dynamic border or hedge.
Roses & Perennials – Use as a backdrop for colourful seasonal blooms or ornamental grasses.

The Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a sophisticated, low-maintenance hedge or privacy screen. With its sleek foliage, stunning white flowers, and resilience to a range of conditions, this evergreen shrub will provide beauty, structure, and lasting value in your landscape.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

Big Deal Portuguese Laurel Specimen Trimmed 225cm Root Ball x 10 Delivery Jan/Feb Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth White Evergreen

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.