Prunus lusitanica | Portguese Laurel

The Prunus lusitanica is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree that, left to grow naturally, will reach heights of 12m and a width of 8m. However this plant responds well to pruning and trimming, and is most often planted as a hedge or trained into a standard or pleached tree for screening. It has a dense structure and slender, dark green, glossy leaves on red shoots that give an interesting contrast in colour. In late spring, early summer erect racemes with cream-coloured flowers appear with a sweet and pleasant fragrance. After the blossom, green or red oval fruits are formed, turning dark red to blackish-purple in autumn. The flowers and fruit are loved by bees, birds and other wildlife. Prunus lusitanica is very resilient and hardier than the Prunus laurocerasus, and will thrive in most well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. This is an attractive tree and a great garden favourite for hedging and screening, there are also other cultivars: Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia'.