Used widely as a hedge and sometimes as a standard Prunus lusitanica or Portugal Laurel has a growth rate of 2/3m a year in good conditions. It can also be used as a small tree with attractive foliage.
As a hedging plant or screen, P. lusitanica can easily be clipped to between 2 and 4 metres. If left to its own devices it will become an attractive small spreading tree, useful for shade as a background plant.
Glossy dark green foliage is attractive through the year, scented white flowers spikes in summer are small but attractive. Small red berries follow the flowers.
Ideally grown as a hedge, at the rear of the border as a backdrop to other plants or as a small tree. Generally available as potted plants from 1m to 2m in height.
Prunus lusitanica Landscaping Uses
- Excellent as a background tree in border or general garden where an evergreen screen is desired.
- Widely used as a hedge as it takes well to pruning.
Information
- Full sun to part shade.
- Well drained humus rich moist soil.
- Tolerates dry conditions once established.
- Frost tolerant.
- Hedges well to 3m +
- Tolerates 2nd level coastal conditions.
- Can be used for topiary
- Easy to prune
Forms and species include : P. lusitanica ‘Myrtifolia’, P. lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’, P. lusitanica – ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Portugal Laurel), P. lusitanica azorica (Azores laurel cherry)
Prunus lusitanica is available for sale from the following wholesalers
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au