Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

$1,300.00

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Size: 200L

200L 150L 100L 70L 50cm 40cm/45L 30cm/33cm - Batch A 30cm/33cm - Batch B

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm/33cm: 0.6m – 1m Approx.
40cm/45L: 0.8m – 1.2m Approx.
70L: 1m – 1.2m Approx.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.
150L: 1.2m – 1.4m Approx.
200L: 1.4m – 1.6m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only.

As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range.

If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase.

Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

About Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese Laurel, is a top-tier evergreen hedging shrub prized for its dense, glossy dark green foliage and excellent frost tolerance. It’s a versatile, hardy choice perfect for creating formal privacy screens, structured hedges, and low-maintenance landscapes in both cool and warm climates.

With a naturally upright and compact habit, accented by red stems, Portuguese Laurel delivers a clean, structured look whether clipped sharply or left to grow more naturally. In spring, it produces delicate white flower clusters followed by vibrant red berries that mature to black, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Thriving in full sun to part shade and adaptable to various soils including clay, this shrub is especially valued for its drought tolerance once established and exceptional performance in frost-prone areas — a rare quality for an evergreen hedge.

They look excellent when planted in rows for formal hedging or as standalone privacy screens, and pair beautifully with companion plants like shade-tolerant groundcovers or spring-blooming bulbs to create layered garden effects.

Distinguishing Features

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is a great option for you if you:

Want Low Maintenance
Want A Formal Hedge
Want A More Informal Hedge
Want Fast Growing
Want To Prune to Desired Height
Want To Block The Wind
Want Natural Privacy
Want Something Easy to Manage
Want Something That Stays Neat
Need Frost Tolerance

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 8m Approximately (can be larger if unpruned, or kept smaller as a hedge)

Mature Width: 2 – 3 meters

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 50 cm/year (Moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

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Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Shrubs

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel Evergreen or Deciduous?

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 8m Approximately (can be larger if unpruned, or kept smaller as a hedge)

Mature Width: 2 – 3 meters

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 50 cm/year (Moderate).

Growth Rate of Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 50 cm/year (Moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

Is Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel frost tolerant?

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel Flower?

Prunus lusitanica produces elegant, upright racemes of small, fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer. These lightly perfumed blooms stand out against the glossy deep green foliage and are followed by small red berries that mature to black, adding a subtle seasonal highlight.

Does Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

Is Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel an Australian Native Tree?

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is Native to South-western Europe and North Africa, particularly Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, where it grows naturally in woodlands and mountain slopes.

What is the Wildlife Value of Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel ?

Its fragrant flowers attract bees and a variety of pollinating insects, while the berries provide food for birds through summer and autumn. The dense evergreen canopy offers excellent shelter, protection and nesting habitat for small birds, making it highly valuable in screening, hedging and wildlife-friendly gardens.

How much Sunlight does Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel need?

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Prunus lusitanica performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It adapts well to a range of soil types but may struggle in heavy, waterlogged clay unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, occasional watering as the plant matures to support drought resilience, dense canopy development and long-term hedging performance.

Is Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel Drought Tolerant?

Is Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Portuguese Laurel develops good drought tolerance. Hardy, reliable and adaptable, it performs strongly in warm, dry, coastal and urban conditions and maintains dense evergreen foliage with deep, occasional watering during extended dry spells.

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How To Plant Your Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the shrub in the hole at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

Feature Planting: Space 1.5 – 2.5 m apart to maintain upright structure

Hedging & Screening: Space 1m - 1.3m

Avenue Planting: Space 2 – 3 m apart for structured linear planting

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 50 cm/year (Moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

Caring for Prunus lusitanica:

Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape, promote flowering, and remove dead or wayward branches.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the significance of Portuguese Laurel's fragrant flowers?
The fragrant white flowers add a delightful aroma to the garden and attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
Can Portuguese Laurel be used for formal hedges and topiary?
Yes, its dense growth habit and evergreen foliage make it an excellent choice for formal hedges and topiary.
Is it suitable for providing privacy in outdoor spaces?
Yes, it is often used as a privacy screen due to its dense foliage and upright growth.
Does Prunus lusitanica attract wildlife?
The fragrant flowers may attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to garden biodiversity.