Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
6th January 2021. In line with the current government lockdown rules, Burncoose Nurseries is closed to visitors. However at present we are able to offer click and collect to local customers. This will be weekdays only, not weekends.
Mail order is continuing as normal. However please allow extra time for the couriers to deliver, once despatched from us. Sorry to say that some depots are experiencing high volumes of traffic, also staff shortages.

PRUNUS lusitanica
Commonly known as Portugal laurel
LAURELS
Long racemes of scented white flowers
Further Reading....
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Evergreen - glossy, ovate to elliptic, dark- green, red-stalked leaves to 12cm (5in) long.
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White
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Height - 20m (66ft)
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Spread - 20m (66ft)
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Hedge - Ideal for hedging
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Tall Shrub - dense, bushy shrub. Produces flowers 1.5cm (½in) across in slender ascending, spreading or pendent racemes to 25cm (10in) long in early summer followed by ovoid, cherry-like red fruit 1cm (½in) across, ripening to black.
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Hardy - cold winter - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Harmful if eaten - These will give you an upset tummy, so please don't eat any of these.
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Additional Features - Berries - These plants have berries.
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Good to know - wildlife plant - insects, birds.
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Pests & Diseases - generally trouble-free
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Place of origin - southwestern Europe
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Resistant to honey fungus - These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower Shape - Cup-shaped -
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Hardiness - Fully hardy -
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Leaf margin - Serrulate - see photos above
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Leaf shape - Elliptic - see photos above
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Ovate
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Pruning group - Pruning group 5
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8 -
Scented Plants - Scented flowers -
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Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - moderately fertile.
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Wildlife - Rabbit Resistant -
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cold weather damage to evergreen plants
Prunus / Laurel - Growing Guide
20m (66ft)
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20m (66ft) |

AGAPANTHUS
African blue lily, Lily-of-the-Nile, Love flower
AGAPANTHUS africanus
African blue lily, Lily-of-the-Nile, Love flower

AUCUBA japonica
Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel

HUMULUS lupulus 'Aureus'
Golden hop
Available from £16.00

LATHYRUS latifolius 'Red Pearl'
Perennial pea
Available from £14.50

LAVANDULA
Lavender

PHOTINIA

PRUNUS
Cherry tree
PRUNUS lusitanica 'Variegata'
Portugal laurel
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Vermin & Pest Control
Tree Guards
Essential small tree protection from vermin and strimming. This pack includes 5 x 90cm canes and 5 x 90cm spiral guards. Includes instructions.
Only £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20