Description Description Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica angustifolia) is a versatile, evergreen, large shrub to small tree native to Iberia and is thus fairly drought tolerant when established. In prime conditions over it can grow up 45-60cm a year up to 12 tall and 8m wide over the course of its life though can easily be maintained as a hedge much smaller than this. Its dark red shoots and ovular, deep, glossy, green leaves form a lovely back drop to beds and borders, allowing it to form a smart and sophisticated hedge. They have small, fragrant white flowers in Spring which are almost brush like which are followed by a dark purple fruit. Due to its ability to look lush it can be used to add to a tropical theme but is Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) thrives in moist and well drained soil and is not fussy about the pH or soil type and is far happier than its Cherry Laurel counterpart in shallow chalk. It is fully hardy in the UK with a RHS rating of H5 meaning it can survive down to -10 to -15C. Not only this it is capable of surviving in the most exposed sites inland in the UK. Therefore, as a hedge is is capable of supplying shelter to birds and other wildlife in your garden and allowing other plants to thrive in your garden. It can also tolerate full sun to full shade When pruning Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica angustifolia) as a hedge it should be pruned in late spring to early summer. It is capable of being maintained between 1-5m and can survive a hard pruning. Maintenance Prune late Spring to early Summer Growing conditions Well drained soil Any pH Light levels Full sun to full shade Hardiness RHS Hardiness level 5 meaning it can survive down to -10 to -15C Suitability to animals and wildlife No reported toxicity to horses, livestock, dogs, cats and Birds Please do not eat though Buying a hedge There are many benefits to buying a hedge, which many people forget. For more information on why to buy a hedge, visit our page on why buy a hedge? When buying a hedge it is important to know the different forms of hedging. For more information visit our page on Bare root, root ball, potted plants. When purchasing a hedge it is important that you give it every chance it can to thrive. For more information on planting visit our Planting page.
