Portuguese Laurel 25 Litre 130/150cm

Prunus lusitanica – Elegant, Evergreen Structure for Hedges & Screens

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese Laurel, is a refined evergreen shrub or small tree renowned for its glossy, dark green leaves and deep red stems. Ideal for hedging, screening, or standalone structure, it brings year-round interest and a touch of formality to any garden.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: New foliage emerges glossy and rich; panicles of small, fragrant white flowers begin to appear.

• Summer: Maintains its dense, dark green foliage while flowers may give way to small red fruits.

• Autumn: Leaves stay vibrant and evergreen; berries mature to black, attracting birds.

• Winter: Offers excellent evergreen coverage, providing structure and privacy throughout the colder months.

Key Features

• Evergreen elegance – Dense, glossy leaves stay green all year, offering consistent coverage.

• Fragrant white flowers – Upright clusters of small blooms attract pollinators in late spring and early summer.

• Red stems and black fruits – Provide subtle seasonal colour contrast.

• Ideal for hedging – Naturally dense habit makes it perfect for formal or informal hedges and screens.

• Tolerant and tough – Withstands pruning, urban pollution, wind, and drought once established.

Perfect For

• Hedging and screening – Provides an excellent evergreen barrier for privacy or wind protection.

• Formal gardens – Can be shaped into neat forms or left to grow more naturally.

• Urban and roadside planting – Tough and tolerant of city conditions and pollution.

• Large containers – Works well in planters for terraces or patios when kept trimmed.

Growing Tips

• Sun/Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

• Soil: Adapts well to most well-drained soils, including clay and chalk.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK, withstanding frost and exposed positions.

• Care: Clip annually in late summer to maintain a neat hedge or shape; water regularly during the first season.

Looks Great With

• Buxus or Yew – For layered evergreen structure in formal designs.

• Flowering shrubs – Such as Viburnum or Hydrangea for contrast in texture and colour.

• Grasses and perennials – Combine with ornamental grasses or summer-flowering perennials for a softer look.

• Topiary – Pair with clipped shapes like Euonymus or Taxus for architectural balance.

Prunus lusitanica is a smart, versatile evergreen that combines strength, beauty, and structure. Whether you’re planting a dense hedge, creating a privacy screen, or adding year-round greenery, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance choice for British gardens.