Overview
Prunus lusitanica is a bushy, suckering shrub in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall. Prunus lusitanica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, Macaronesian archipelagos and French Basque Country.
About
Prunus lusitanica, the Portuguese laurel cherry or Portugal laurel, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae, native to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, the Macaronesian archipelagos, and the French Basque Country.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus lusitanica
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Prunus lusitanica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub, Small tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 6.0 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, Macaronesian archipelagos, French Basque Country
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus lusitanica
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered position; prune to maintain shape; tolerates urban pollution
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; Softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Peach leaf curl, Silver leaf, Bacterial canker, Blossom wilt, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Prunus lusitanica?
Prefers sheltered position; prune to maintain shape; tolerates urban pollution.
Where is the best place to plant Prunus lusitanica?
Prunus lusitanica prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus lusitanica need?
Prunus lusitanica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Prunus lusitanica?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Prunus lusitanica grow?
Prunus lusitanica reaches a height of 6.0 m.
Is Prunus lusitanica hardy in the UK?
Prunus lusitanica has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Prunus lusitanica?
Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; Softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer.
Is Prunus lusitanica toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
