Also known as Portugal Laurel or Portuguese Cherry Laurel, Prunus lusitanica is a refined, evergreen hedge with smaller, darker green leaves and a neater growth habit than its Common Laurel cousin. Its deep green, glossy foliage, reddish stems, and compact structure make it a stylish and versatile choice for formal hedging, evergreen screens, and garden boundaries.
Hardy, elegant, and easy to shape, Portuguese Laurel brings a tidy, architectural look to gardens of all sizes.
Growing Conditions
Portuguese Laurel is highly adaptable and thrives in well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and once established, is drought-tolerant and resistant to pollution, making it ideal for both rural gardens and urban environments.
Where to Plant It
Perfect for formal boundary hedges, driveways, topiary-style shaping, or tight garden borders, Portuguese Laurel’s naturally upright growth makes it easy to maintain as a clean, dense hedge. It’s also a great choice for evergreen structure in mixed borders or screening unsightly views year-round.
Foliage, Flowers & Form
This hedge features slender, glossy, dark green leaves that form a dense, evergreen wall of foliage. In early summer, it produces upright spikes of small white flowers, followed by red to black berries that attract birds and add subtle seasonal interest. Its reddish-purple stems provide colour contrast and winter character.
Size & Growth
-
Growth Rate: Moderate (20–40 cm per year)
-
Ultimate Height: Easily maintained at 1.5–4 metres
-
Spacing: 2–3 plants per metre
-
Time to Establish: 3–5 years for full coverage
Delivery
Pallet delivery £70 to most of mainland UK — FREE on orders over £500. One pallet carries up to 5 multi-stem trees or 15 hedging plants and the delivery price is the same however full it is, so it pays to fill your pallet. Kerbside delivery; we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient day. Scottish Highlands & Islands may carry a small surcharge — confirmed before dispatch.
Plant Now or Reserve for Autumn
We deliver all year round — our container-grown stock can be planted in any season (summer planting just needs committed watering). Prefer to plant in autumn, when establishment is easiest? Order now and add a note at checkout — we’ll reserve your plants and deliver when you’re ready.
Planting & Aftercare
Every order includes our planting and establishment notes. The single biggest factor in success is water: new plants need generous, regular watering through their first two growing seasons. Follow the guide and your plants will establish strongly — and we’re on the end of the phone if you need us.
Why Tree Heritage
We’re a working nursery in Hertfordshire, not a reseller. Every plant is selected, grown on and quality-checked by our own team before it leaves the nursery.
