Product description
Portugal Laurel is a hardy, evergreen tree that will keep your garden looking less bare through the winter season. It is versatile and has a variety of uses.
Prunus lusiticana can be planted as a hedge or a screen to block out an unsightly neighbours fence and also makes a great windbreak in higher and exposed areas. If you want to try your hand at topiary, it can be clipped into a geometric or ornamental shape or even something more challenging like an animal or a fairytale figure to thrill the children!
This lovely tree grows to a conical shape with dark green, lustrous, glossy elegant leaves that stand out against the new shoots which have a distinct red hue. In early summer the tree offers fragrant racemes of creamy white flowers, followed by red fruits that turn to dark purple-black in autumn.
Plant your Portugal Laurel in soil that is well drained and choose full sun or partial shade. It is however, very tolerant and can also thrive in heavier shade and exposed areas, making it a great choice for more difficult gardens. If left unpruned your tree will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 8m in a 20 year period. If you are looking to create a lovely hedge, plant your trees 2 to 3m apart and prune into shape.
Prunus lusitanica will ensure that your garden is never bare through the cold winter!
Portuguese Laurel Tree
Prunus lusitanica
Prunus lusitanica
Product description
Portugal Laurel is a hardy, evergreen tree that will keep your garden looking less bare through the winter season. It is versatile and has a variety of uses.
Prunus lusiticana can be planted as a hedge or a screen to block out an unsightly neighbours fence and also makes a great windbreak in higher and exposed areas. If you want to try your hand at topiary, it can be clipped into a geometric or ornamental shape or even something more challenging like an animal or a fairytale figure to thrill the children!
This lovely tree grows to a conical shape with dark green, lustrous, glossy elegant leaves that stand out against the new shoots which have a distinct red hue. In early summer the tree offers fragrant racemes of creamy white flowers, followed by red fruits that turn to dark purple-black in autumn.
Plant your Portugal Laurel in soil that is well drained and choose full sun or partial shade. It is however, very tolerant and can also thrive in heavier shade and exposed areas, making it a great choice for more difficult gardens. If left unpruned your tree will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 8m in a 20 year period. If you are looking to create a lovely hedge, plant your trees 2 to 3m apart and prune into shape.
Prunus lusitanica will ensure that your garden is never bare through the cold winter!
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune your Prunus tree annually in midsummer to maintain its shape and remove any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches. Avoid pruning during winter to minimise the risk of infection. For flowering varieties, prune immediately after blooming to encourage fresh growth and maximise next season's display. Regular maintenance will keep your tree healthy and looking its best year-round.
How to Water
Water your Prunus tree deeply after planting and consistently during its first growing season to help establish strong roots. Once established, the tree requires less frequent watering but should be watered during prolonged dry spells, especially in the summer months. Take care not to overwater, as Prunus trees dislike waterlogged conditions. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation and ensure the roots can absorb the moisture effectively.
How to Plant
To plant a Prunus tree, choose a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile, well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to accommodate it comfortably. Place the tree in the hole so that the root collar sits level with the soil surface, then backfill with a mixture of soil and organic matter, firming gently around the roots. Water thoroughly and apply a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot. Stake young trees for added support in windy areas.
