Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct
Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel - Evergreen Trees Direct

Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel

Size

300L: Approx. 4 – 4.5 m tall
200L: Approx. 3 – 4 m tall
100L: Approx. 2.4 – 2.8 m tall
40cm/45L: Approx. 1.8 – 2.2 m tall
30cm/33cm: Approx. 1.2 – 1.6 m tall

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Regular price
$1,300.00
Sale price
$1,300.00
Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
A GRADE STOCK, EVERY TIME.

Learn About Your New Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese 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.

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Prunus lusitanica
GENUS:
Prunus
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
lusitanica
COMMON NAME:
Portuguese Laurel
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Evergreen (foliage year round)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Glossy
FORM & SHAPE
  • Dense
  • Upright
  • Shrub

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
  • Medium Growth Rate
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx. 30 – 50 cm/year (Moderate)

MATURE HEIGHT

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

MATURE WIDTH

2 – 3 meters

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
  • Part Shade
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
No

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Screening or Privacy
  • Shrubs
FLOWER COLOUR
White
FLOWER TYPE
  • Clustered
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Spring

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

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

Ensuring A Strong Start

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.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

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: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (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)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

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.

Growing Your Prunus lusitanica - Portugese laurel in Various Soil Types

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Prunus lusitanica prefers well-drained soil but adapts to different conditions:

Sandy Soil: Drains quickly—add compost to improve moisture retention.

Clay Soil: Can be compacted—improve with organic matter and gypsum for better aeration.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for healthy root development and lush foliage.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range, thriving best in neutral to slightly acidic soil.

Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

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.

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