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We are delighted to let everyone know we won a GOLD medal at Chelsea. Read More....

PRUNUS lusitanica
Commonly known as Portugal laurel
LAURELS
Long racemes of scented white flowers
Further Reading....
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EvergreenGlossy, ovate to elliptic, dark- green, red-stalked leaves to 12cm (5in) long.
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White
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Height20m (66ft)
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Spread20m (66ft)
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HedgeIdeal for hedging
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Tall ShrubDense, 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 winterHardy 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
PRUNUS lusitanica
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowWildlife plant - insects, birds.Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-freePlace of originSouthwestern EuropeResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower ShapeCup-shaped
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrulate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeElliptic
(see photos above) Ovate(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 5Suitable 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 PlantsScented flowers
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile.
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets)
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WildlifeRabbit 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

FATSIA japonica
False castor oil plant
Available from £14.50

HEBE 'Blue Gem'
Available from £13.50

HUMULUS lupulus 'Aureus'
Golden hop
Available from £16.50

LATHYRUS latifolius 'Red Pearl'
Perennial pea
Available from £15.00

LAVANDULA
Lavender

LEYCESTERIA formosa 'Golden Lanterns'
Pheasant berry, Himalayan honeysuckle, Flowering nutmeg
Available from £15.50

PHOTINIA

PRUNUS
Cherry tree
PRUNUS lusitanica 'Variegata'
Portugal laurel

RHODODENDRON ponticum
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