Prunus lusitanica

We are specialists in evergreen plants and offer the widest possible range of hardy, quality plants.
Portugal laurel is a great evergreen plant that is surprisingly hardier that some large-leaved cherry laurels. Origin: S.W.Europe.

This shrub has ovate to elliptic, pointed, mid-sized leaves that are deep green and glossy and have conspicuous red stalks and new twigs. Blossoms are numerous racemes, compound of white, sweetly scented flowers. Fruits are black berries, and tests proved that they are not poisonous, only seeds from unripe fruit can cause stomach discomfort if eaten in quantity. In good soil it grows moderately or fast into a widely pyramidal large shrub with a rounded top and long, slightly arching branches. It can be pruned in April or shaped in mid July.

It loves full sun if grown in well-drained soil 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 summer dry spells. On the other hand, the moister the soil, the richer and healthier foliage you can expect. Grow it preferably in neutral or slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. In winter provide extra watering in frost-free periods when the ground is not frozen. Reliably hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6) but withstands short periods of lower temperatures.

Last update 26-02-2009; 06-01-2010; 17-01-2013