Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) – Elegant, Hardy Evergreen for Hedging, Screening & Specimen Planting

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese Laurel, is one of the most refined and versatile evergreen shrubs available to UK gardeners. With its handsome, deep green, glossy leaves set against distinctive dark red stems, it offers a level of elegance that sets it apart from coarser laurel alternatives. Equally at home as a clipped formal hedge, a shaped topiary specimen, or a free-growing small tree, it brings year-round structure and character to a wide range of garden styles.

More restrained in growth than Cherry Laurel, Portuguese Laurel is prized for its tidiness, its tolerance of challenging conditions, and its graceful seasonal interest — from fragrant white flower racemes in early summer to small, dark red to purple fruits beloved by birds in autumn. It is a plant of real long-term value, improving with age and rewarding those who give it space to develop.

Key Features

• Handsome evergreen foliage — deep green, glossy leaves on rich dark red stems

• Fragrant white flower racemes in early summer, followed by wildlife-friendly berries

• Excellent for formal hedging, topiary, screening, or as a free-growing specimen tree

• More tolerant of exposed, coastal, and alkaline conditions than many evergreens

• Fully hardy throughout the UK — more reliably so than some other laurel species

• Slower, more manageable growth than Cherry Laurel — ideal where space is at a premium

Growing Conditions

Position: Prunus lusitanica thrives in full sun or partial shade and is notably tolerant of exposed and coastal positions, where many evergreens struggle. It performs particularly well in open, airy situations but will also cope in the dappled shade of a lightly wooded setting. It is less shade-tolerant than Cherry Laurel, so very deep shade is best avoided for the strongest growth and densest foliage.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided drainage is reasonable. Unlike many ericaceous shrubs, Portuguese Laurel positively tolerates alkaline and chalky conditions, making it a valuable choice for gardens where acid-loving plants struggle. Avoid permanently waterlogged ground, which can lead to root problems over time.

Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK and much of Northern Europe, withstanding hard winters without significant damage. It is considered hardier than Cherry Laurel in exposed situations, and its foliage remains in good condition through cold spells that can scorch less resilient evergreens.

Habit & Appearance

Foliage: The leaves are oval, pointed, and richly glossy — a deep, lustrous green on the upper surface — borne on distinctively dark red to maroon petioles and stems that provide attractive year-round contrast. The overall effect is neater and more refined than the broad, blowsy foliage of Cherry Laurel, lending itself well to formal situations and elegant planting schemes.

Flowers & Fruit: In early to midsummer, Portuguese Laurel produces long, arching racemes of small, creamy-white flowers with a pleasant, sweet fragrance — a feature often underappreciated in a genus not celebrated for its blooms. These are followed by small fruits that ripen from red to deep purple-black in autumn, providing an excellent source of food for birds and other wildlife.

Ultimate Size: Left unpruned, Portuguese Laurel will develop into a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, ultimately reaching 6–8m in height, though it is most often maintained at a fraction of this through regular clipping. Growth rates are moderate — typically 20–40cm per year — making it easier to manage than faster-growing alternatives. With time and minimal intervention, it can be trained into an elegant standard tree with a clear stem and rounded canopy.

Care & Pruning

Watering: Water consistently during the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment. Once settled, Portuguese Laurel is reasonably drought-tolerant and will largely look after itself in typical UK rainfall. During prolonged dry spells, newly planted specimens will benefit from occasional deep watering to support root development.

Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth, particularly in the early years or on poorer soils. An annual mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base helps retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and gradually improve soil fertility.

Pruning: For use as a formal hedge or shaped specimen, trim once or twice a year — ideally in late spring or early summer after flowering has finished, and again in late summer if a second tidy-up is needed. Portuguese Laurel responds very well to clipping and can be maintained at almost any desired size or shape. Because the leaves are smaller than those of Cherry Laurel, hedge trimmers can be used without the unsightly leaf-browning that affects its close relative. For specimens grown as free-standing shrubs or small trees, little pruning is required beyond the removal of dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late spring.

Pests & Disease: Portuguese Laurel is generally robust and trouble-free, and is considered less prone to the common laurel ailments

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.

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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.