Prunus lusitanica
Portuguese laurel
- Position: Full sun, partial shade or shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: April
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Garden care:When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Prune in either spring or summer. Mature plants can tolerate hard pruning in spring, cutting back to the old wood.
A lovely large, evergreen shrub that has dark green leaves with red stalks. Small white, slightly fragrant flowers are borne on long racemes in early summer, and often followed by small, red fruits which eventually turn dark purple (these are harmful if eaten). Portuguese laurel is an excellent hedging plant and it can even tolerate chalky soils.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here.
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten