Prunus lusitanica 'BRENELIA' Portugal laurel - STANDARD TREE

Brenelia is an elegant novelty variety of Portugal laurel from early 21st century. In appearance and use it is similar to Angustifolia variety but has larger leaves with undulated margins and exhibit faster growth. The stalks and new stems are rich burgundy red not only in winter but most of the growing season. It grows moderately to fast into a broadly pyramidal shrub or tree and in our C.E. climate it reaches between 4 and 6 meters tall.

Blossoms are numerous racemes, compound of white, sweetly scented flowers in late May and early June. Fruits are black berries, and seeds from unripe berries contain the same poison found in bitter almonds. Pruning is not needed but is possible in April or mid July.

Tree forms of evergreen woody plants are becoming more and more popular. They can offer good screening at a desirable height blocking views from neighbouring windows if privacy is why you look for an evergreen tree. As every standard tree it needs a good support to protect the stem from moving, especially in wind. It can be removed after 3 years if the tree is established well. There is usually a bamboo stick attached to the tree trunk when you buy the plant. It needs to be removed before you tie the stem into your new support.

It loves full sun but will thrive almost anywhere. In locations with cold and long winters we suggest finding it a place without direct winter sunlight that might burn its leaves. Once established it tolerates periods of summer drought. On the other hand, the moister the soil is the richer and healthier foliage you can expect. The soil is preferred acidic, well-drained, and rich in organic matter – it benefits from clay at the bottom part of its root system but may not be transplanted into pure clay. In winter provide extra watering in frost-free periods when the ground is not frozen. Fully hardy to min. -25°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 07-05-2015; 01-03-2022