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
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Growth Rate: Moderate (20–40 cm per year)
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Ultimate Height: Easily maintained at 1.5–4 metres
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Spacing: 2–3 plants per metre
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Time to Establish: 3–5 years for full coverage
