Prunus lusitanica (Portugal laurel)

Dense, bushy, evergreen shrub or tree with red-stalked, ovate, glossy green leaves. Cup-shaped fragrant white flowers appear in early summer, followed by cherry-red like fruits ripening to black. Eventual unclipped height 20metres

Uses in the garden

Portugal laurel is primarily used for hedging or screening purposes and it does this job extremely well. It can also be used for growing as a tree or for topiary purposes.

Growth rate

On average Portugal laurels will grow 2ft in year in ideal conditions

Best to plant...

Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade. Portugal laurel will however tolerate most soil conditions except waterlogged areas. If the soil is excessively chalky laurels will exhibit signs of ‘yellowing’ on the leaves.

Looking after your Portugal laurel plants

Trim Portugal laurels in early or mid-spring, take care not to cut too much into the older leaves as this will damage them and make them look unsightly. Feed after trimming to ensure a nice even green colour to the hedge.

Helpful hints

Make sure all soil is well prepared before planting takes place. This will include...
Clearing the area of all perennial weeds (i.e. Nettle, docks, thistles, couch grass) this can be done easily by applying a residual herbicide (Glyphosate) to the area 2-3 weeks prior to planting.
Prepare the soil area well by digging over to a minimum spades depth (12-16”) and width. Incorporate organic matter into the soil (i.e. compost, well rotted manure, well rotted garden waste) this will aid plant establishment and retain moisture in drier soils.
Only plant up to the soil mark on the stem of the plant, this is easily spotted, look just above where the roots of the plant start and you will see the mark. Water plants thoroughly once planted and then on a regular basis until the plants are well established. Bear in mind weather conditions and water more in hot, dry spells and less in prolonged heavy rain spells.

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