Portuguese Laurel Hedging

Portuguese laurel hedging for refined evergreen screening

Portuguese laurel hedging (Prunus lusitanica) is a popular choice where a smart, evergreen hedge is required without the coarse appearance of faster-growing laurel varieties. It offers a dense structure, smaller glossy leaves and a more controlled growth habit.

Why choose Portuguese laurel for hedging?

• Neat, refined foliage compared to Cherry Laurel
• Evergreen structure for year-round privacy
• Responds well to clipping and shaping
• Suitable for formal and contemporary gardens

Portuguese laurel compared to other laurel hedges

Portuguese laurel is one of several evergreen laurel hedging options. It is often chosen where appearance and control are prioritised over very fast growth.

If you are still deciding which type of laurel hedge is best for your garden, view the full Laurel Hedging collection to compare alternatives such as Cherry Laurel.

How tall does Portuguese laurel hedging grow?

Portuguese laurel can be maintained at a wide range of heights, making it suitable for both boundary hedging and privacy screening:

• 100–150cm – smart boundary hedging
• 150–200cm+ – evergreen privacy screening

Regular trimming encourages dense growth and a clean finish.

Spacing & planting guidance

For hedging, Portuguese laurel is planted closer together than specimen shrubs to achieve a continuous screen. Consistent spacing is key to avoiding gaps as the hedge matures.

Is Portuguese laurel right for your garden?

Choose Portuguese laurel hedging if you want a more refined alternative to faster-growing laurels, with strong year-round structure and a tidy appearance.

For an overview of all evergreen hedge options, visit our main Hedging Plants collection.

Selecting Portuguese laurel hedge plants

This collection features Portuguese laurel plants supplied specifically for hedging use. Browse the products below to choose the size and quantity that best suits your garden layout.