Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ – Refined Evergreen Structure with Year-Round Grace

Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’, known as Portuguese Laurel, is a beautiful, dense evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its slender, glossy leaves, red stems, and graceful form. More refined and compact than common cherry laurel, it offers an elegant, formal look while remaining robust, hardy, and low-maintenance.

Ideal for hedging, screening, or topiary, ‘Angustifolia’ combines classic structure with rich evergreen beauty all year round.

Why Grow Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’?

1. Elegant Evergreen Foliage
Small, narrow, dark green leaves on reddish stems create a sophisticated, polished appearance.

2. Fragrant White Flowers
In early summer, produces upright racemes of creamy-white, scented flowers, followed by small red-to-black berries loved by birds.

3. Dense & Refined Habit
Forms a neat, upright, and bushy structure, ideal for formal hedges or screening without excessive bulk.

4. Hardy & Resilient
Withstands frost, wind, and pollution, performing well in both rural and urban settings.

5. Low-Maintenance & Long-Lived
Tolerates pruning well and remains evergreen through all seasons, requiring little care once established.

How to Grow Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’

Position:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; excellent in both sheltered and exposed sites.

Soil:
Grows well in fertile, well-drained soil, and tolerates clay, chalk, and loam.

Watering:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and easy to maintain.

Pruning:
Trim annually in late summer to maintain shape or density—tolerates hard pruning if required.

Growth Habit:
Evergreen shrub or small tree with upright, bushy form. Typically reaches 3–6 m high and 2–4 m wide depending on pruning.

Hardiness:
Fully hardy across the UK (H5).

Design Ideas

• Perfect as a dense evergreen hedge or screen for privacy and wind protection.

• Excellent choice for formal gardens, avenues, or shaped topiary forms.

• Use as a specimen tree for architectural structure and year-round greenery.

• Pairs beautifully with yew, box, or hornbeam in structured designs.

Final Thought

Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ is a refined, long-lived evergreen offering elegance, fragrance, and durability. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a specimen, it provides year-round structure and timeless charm with minimal maintenance.

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 Root Ball 160/180cm Extra Wide x 10 Delivery December 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.