Prunus lusitanica 'VARIEGATA' Portugal laurel

Variegata is a collective name for variegated forms of Portuguese laurel, and it must be acknowledged that, although they remain relatively scarce, they are more than precious collectibles. Their principal ornamental feature lies in the evergreen, leathery leaves with creamy to whitish variegation, which may appear as a fine marginal edging, irregular pale marbling extending into the leaf blade, or broader, more pronounced light margins. Leaf shape and size can also vary considerably, ranging from broadly elliptic and flat to narrower, slightly curved or blistered forms. The variegation is not entirely stable, and its intensity, tone and contrast may change throughout the year, often acquiring a subtle pinkish hue during colder periods.

Growth is generally slower and more restrained than in green‑leaved forms; plants develop a more compact, densely branched habit and appear well‑mannered even without regular pruning. The final shape and height at maturity depend on the clonal line from which the plant was propagated: most commonly the habit is distinctly pyramidal, with clearly defined tiers developing with age, though some clones may form a flatter, more spreading plant with an oval crown. With the onset of cooler autumn weather, the branches often turn a vivid purplish red, an effect made all the more striking by their emergence from behind the pale‑variegated foliage. Variegata combines particularly well with dark green evergreen shrubs, including conifers, which further enhance its patterning and bring light into the overall composition. Compared with green‑leaved forms, variegated plants require more even soil moisture and are generally considered to be slightly less frost‑hardy.

The origin of Variegata as a horticultural form is documented in the literature at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1903, Ludwig Beissner, Ernst Schelle and Hermann Zabel listed it in their dendrological handbook as a variegated form of Prunus lusitanica (most commonly cited as f. variegata), thereby confirming its presence in European cultivation at that time. The name Variegata does not, however, refer to a single, uniform clone, but rather serves as a collective designation for all variegated forms of Portuguese laurel that have long been propagated through horticultural practice. Although the above‑mentioned authors describe this form as a flowering woody plant, flowering is exceptionally rare in practice. While photographic documentation of flower buds on an older specimen is available from the botanical resource Trees and Shrubs Online (England), we have not yet observed open flowers on living plants, nor have they been reliably documented in other encyclopaedic or authoritative sources. It is therefore likely that variegated clones flower only very weakly and unreliably, or on mature specimens, and flowering cannot be regarded as a meaningful or defining characteristic of these plants.

Portugal laurel prefers deep soils with ample nutrients and moisture, but thanks to its long roots it is able, over time, to find both nutrients and water almost anywhere. The soil must be well drained – it does not tolerate waterlogging. Once established, it copes very well with prolonged summer droughts and the heat of southern Europe. Nevertheless, it performs best in the moist climate typical of Great Britain, north‑western Europe (the Benelux countries) and the peat‑rich regions of northern Germany, where additional moisture promotes denser foliage. In acidic soils the leaves develop a deeper colour, although this is not essential for healthy growth; simply avoid strongly calcareous soils. Mulching is particularly beneficial for young and newly planted specimens, helping to retain moisture around the roots and protecting them from temperature fluctuations in winter. Hardiness is high – better than that of large‑leaved cherry laurels – because its thinner leaves manage water more efficiently in winter and are less prone to dehydration and scorch. Established plants (approximately 3–5 years after planting) can tolerate temperatures down to −23 °C (USDA zone 6). Fertilising is possible but not necessary; the use of mycorrhiza at planting is ideal. Pruning can be carried out in early spring to encourage branching or in mid‑summer for shaping. The plant also tolerates deep rejuvenation pruning into old wood.

Last update 15-11-2015; 07-02-2026