About
Prunus lusitanica, the Portugal laurel, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree of spreading habit with dark-red shoots bearing dark, emerald-green, ovate leaves. Small, perfumed, white flowers in racemes to 25 cm long are produced in early summer, followed by small, dark-purple fruits. An excellent and ornamental evergreen for hedging, topiary or as a specimen tree.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toSW Europe, Morocco
FragranceFlower
ToxicityLeaves harmful if eaten, fruit edible if ripe, but may be harmful if bitter. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 14005,prunus-maackii,Prunus maackii,Manchurian cherry,Prunus maackii
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in any moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Superb hedging shrub and even thrives on poor, shallow, chalky soils
PruningPruning group 8 including hedges pruned in late spring or early summer
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceLeaves may be damaged by vine weevil and leaf-mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa