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Buy Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel) online from Jacksons Nurseries

Prunus lusitanica

Portuguese Laurel

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£79.99

Size:

2-3 Litre pot 20 Litre pot* (120-150cm) 75 litre pot (120cm tall above the pot)

Code: 5946

Availability: Out of stock

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At a Glance

Variety: Prunus
Size: 20-25 Litre pot* (150-175cm)
Mature Height (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Height

You can expect the height to reach somewhere within this estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the height in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this height.

12m+
Mature Spread (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Spread

You can expect the plant to spread somewhere within this range estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the spread in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this.

8m+
Flower Colour (?):

What does this mean?

Flower Colour

Flowers come in a vast variety of colours from pure white to almost black. Colour can be affected by a number of factors including environment and diet. Use the photographs as a guide and expect variations.

white
Flowering Time (?):

What does this mean?

Flowering Time

A plants development is synchronised with the changing seasons and flowering is one of several changes that occur at the appropriate time of year dependent on the specific plant. While our meteorological seasons are defined by specific dates; there can be two or the weeks difference in the start and end of the horticultural 'season' between the north and south of the UK.

Spring - Summer
Foliage (?):

What does this mean?

Evergreen

Plants that have leaves all year round are classified as evergreen. They can however lose leaves sporadically throughout the year.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants drop their leaves in autumn, look bare in winter and put out new leaves again in spring. Some plants such a Beech retain their dead leaves until the new spring growth.

Semi-evergreen

There are exceptions, some plant drop their leaves in cold winters but keep them if it is mild. These are classified as Semi-evergreen.

Evergreen
Fragrant (?):

What does this mean?
Fragrant
For plants that are fragrant the level of fragrance may vary, results may improve by planting in larger blocks. The fragrance may come from flowers or foliage.

Yes
Growth Rate (?):

What does this mean?

Growth rate of a plant will determine how fast the plant reaches it ultimate height and is affected by four main factors: temperature, nutrients, light, and water.

Average
Hardiness (?):

What does this mean?

Fully Hardy

Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (to -15)

Half Hardy

Hardy throughout most of the UK (to -10)

Frost Hardy

Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of UK (to -5)

Fully Hardy
Position (?):

What does this mean?

Full Sun

Six or more full hours of direct sunlight but don't forget to water.

Partial Shade

Two or three hours either in early morning or late evening sun. Very limited exposure to midday sun.

Dense Shade

Usually no more than two hours direct sunlight. Usually under dense trees, shurbs or in shade cast by buildings/fences etc.

Full sun, Partial shade
Soil Moisture (?):

What does this mean?

Well Drained

Well-drained soil allows water to percolate through reasonably quickly without pooling. Well drained soil can often be dry and lack nutrients.

Poorly Drained

Poorly Drained soil is usually saturated periodically during the growing season and remains wet for several days at a time. Saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen.

Moist Well Drained

A moist well drained soil is the best of both worlds by combining high permeability with the ability to retain moisture. Adding well rotted organic matter to dry or wet soil will help improve both these characteristics.

Moist Well-drained, Well-drained
Soil PH (?):

What does this mean?

Acid

Soil with a pH between 1 and 7 is classed as acid, ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons need acid soil.

Neutral

A neutral pH which is around 7, will be suitable for most plants. Clay soils tend to be neutral.

Alkaline

Soil with a pH between 7 and 14 are refereed to as Alkaline. Chalky soil is usually Alkaline.

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type (?):

What does this mean?

Chalk

Chalky or lime-rich soils may be light or heavy, largely made up of calcium carbonate and are very alkaline.

Clay

Clay soils are potentially fertile and hold a high proportion of water. They drain slowly and take longer to warm up in spring.

Loam

Loam soils are s mixture of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of clay or sandy soils. Fertile, well-drained and easily worked.

Sand

Sandy soils have a low clay content, drain quickly, easy to cultivate and work. They can dry out quickly and are low in plant nutrients. Often very acidic.

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel

Overview

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree that has become a garden favourite across Britain and Europe. Despite its name, this hardy plant is equally at home in Mediterranean climates and cooler northern regions, making it an excellent choice for UK gardens. With its glossy dark green foliage, fragrant white flowers, and attractive red stems, Portuguese Laurel offers year-round interest and exceptional versatility.

Key Features

Botanical Name: Prunus lusitanica
Common Names: Portuguese Laurel, Cherry Laurel
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Mature Height: 4-12 metres if unpruned
Mature Spread: 3-8 metres
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy to -20°C)

Appearance and Growth Habits

Portuguese Laurel presents an elegant, dense growth habit with distinctive reddish-purple stems that provide winter interest. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green, typically measuring 7-12cm in length. Unlike some laurels, the leaves have a pleasant, non-toxic quality and emit a subtle cherry-like fragrance when crushed.

In late spring to early summer, the plant produces abundant clusters of small, creamy-white flowers arranged in elegant racemes up to 25cm long. These blooms are highly fragrant and attract beneficial insects, particularly bees and butterflies. Following flowering, small dark purple to black berries develop, which birds find attractive.

Growing Conditions

Soil Requirements

Portuguese Laurel is remarkably adaptable to various soil conditions:

Soil Type: Tolerates clay, loam, sand, and chalk
Drainage: Prefers well-draining soil but tolerates occasional waterlogging
pH: Thrives in slightly acidic to alkaline conditions (pH 6.0-8.0)
Fertility: Performs well in both fertile and poor soils

Light and Position

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Exposure: Tolerates coastal conditions and urban pollution
Shelter: Benefits from protection from harsh winds when young

Climate Tolerance

Portuguese Laurel demonstrates excellent cold hardiness, surviving temperatures down to -20°C. It's also drought-tolerant once established, though regular watering during dry spells encourages better growth and flowering.

Planting and Care Instructions

Planting

Best Time: Plant from October to March, avoiding frozen ground
Spacing: Allow 1.5-2 metres between plants for hedging, 3-4 metres for specimen planting
Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the pot
Soil Preparation: Improve heavy clay with organic matter; add compost to sandy soils

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
Once established, water only during extended dry periods
Apply water at the base to avoid wetting foliage

Feeding

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring
Mulch around the base with organic matter annually
Avoid over-feeding, which can reduce flowering

Pruning

Portuguese Laurel responds excellently to pruning and can be shaped extensively:

Timing: Prune after flowering (July-August) to avoid removing next year's flower buds
Method: Use sharp, clean secateurs for smaller branches; loppers for thicker growth
Shaping: Can be pruned into formal hedges, topiary, or kept as a natural shrub
Renovation: Tolerates hard pruning if renovation is needed

Uses in the Garden

Hedging

Portuguese Laurel makes an outstanding formal or informal hedge:

Provides excellent privacy and wind protection
Can be maintained at various heights from 1-4 metres
Creates a neat, professional appearance when regularly trimmed
More refined alternative to common laurel

Specimen Planting

As a standalone feature:

Develops into an attractive small tree with interesting bark
Provides structure in mixed borders
Excellent for creating focal points in larger gardens

Topiary and Formal Gardens

Takes well to artistic shaping
Suitable for creating balls, pyramids, and other geometric forms
Maintains crisp edges when regularly maintained

Woodland Gardens

Thrives in partially shaded woodland settings
Provides structure among deciduous trees
Supports wildlife with flowers and berries

Wildlife Value

Portuguese Laurel offers significant benefits to garden wildlife:

Pollinators: Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
Birds: Dense foliage provides nesting sites; berries offer autumn food
Year-round Shelter: Evergreen nature provides winter protection for small wildlife

Companion Plants

Portuguese Laurel pairs beautifully with:

Understory: Hellebores, pulmonaria, and ferns in shaded areas
Flowering Shrubs: Hydrangeas, roses, and camellias
Perennials: Hostas, astilbe, and Japanese painted fern
Bulbs: Daffodils, bluebells, and snowdrops for spring interest

Common Issues and Solutions

Pest Problems

Shot Hole Disease: Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Scale Insects: Treat with horticultural soap or systemic insecticide
Caterpillars: Hand-pick or use biological controls

Environmental Stress

Leaf Drop: Usually temporary stress from transplanting or weather changes
Poor Growth: Often indicates waterlogged soil or excessive shade
Frost Damage: Young plants may need fleece protection in severe winters

Varieties and Cultivars

'Angustifolia': Narrower leaves, more compact growth
'Myrtifolia': Smaller leaves, dense habit, ideal for topiary
'Variegata': Cream-edged leaves, slower growing, needs more shelter

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring: Apply fertiliser, plant new specimens, light pruning if needed
Summer: Main pruning period after flowering, regular watering for new plants
Autumn: Reduce watering, collect berries for propagation
Winter: Protect young plants from severe frost, plan renovation pruning

Summary

Prunus lusitanica stands out as one of the most reliable and versatile evergreen shrubs for British gardens. Its combination of attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, wildlife value, and exceptional tolerance to pruning makes it suitable for both formal and informal garden designs. Whether used as a hedge, specimen plant, or topiary feature, Portuguese Laurel provides year-round structure and beauty with minimal maintenance requirements once established.

Shrub Notes
Shrubs Guide & Care
Alternatives
Reviews

Buying Shrubs from Jacksons Nurseries

At Jacksons Nurseries we sell a variety of shrubs both evergreen and deciduous with a variety of flowering times throughout the year. At certain times of the year our shrubs you buy from us may not look like the images shown on our website when deciduous leaves have fallen, the shrub has finished flowering or has been trimmed back.

Some leaves on evergreen shrubs can be damaged in winter by frost or harsh winds but in spring new leaves will readily replace those damaged. This is quite normal on many evergreen varieties and is preferable to plants grown with excessive protection that show cold shock once planted out and establish less satisfactory initially.

Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.

Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.

* Please Note: Shrubs in 20 litre pots and above might require a pallet delivery starting at £79.99 per pallet. Depending on the exact pot size and height it may be possible to get approximately 5 plants per pallet at no extra cost. The maximum height we can dispatch on a pallet is 2.0m, this includes the height of the pallet and pot.

Shrubs are deciduous or evergreen woody plants, and often provide fragrant flowers, berries and foliage. They are good for structural framework, and they can provide a wonderful shelter and food source for wildlife.

Planting and Conditions

Container grown shrubs can be grown at any time of year. It is a little known fact that shrubs planted in the autumn and winter will be easier to look after than those planted in the spring and summer, because they will have time to establish and become hardy in the cooler months.

Plant the shrub at the same depth as it was in its original pot. Planting too deeply can result in root and stem rot.

One of the biggest causes of death in new shrubs is drought stress, so keep it well watered until it’s established.

Make sure you loosen the soil prior to planting. Most shrubs are tolerant of most soil types as long as it is fairly well draining.

Most shrubs will grow happily in containers, but they will be much more demanding on feeding and watering than shrubs in the ground would be. They will also need potting on every couple of years so that they don’t suffocate or become stunted in their pot.

Aftercare and Pruning

Once established, shrubs generally do not require much water. However, at first they need careful, frequent watering and should not be left to dry out.

Shrubs in the ground are generally not demanding and in most cases, annual feeding with general purpose fertilizer will suffice. Shrubs in containers may need more feeding; usually from early spring until late summer.

Shrubs also benefit from mulching in order to supress weeds, conserve moisture and provide vital nutrients. Mulch also greatly improves soil conditions. Shrubs can be mulched in late winter, after fertiliser has been applied, but it can be mulched through autumn to late spring as long as the ground is damp.

All shrubs benefit from dead-heading once spent flowers become apparent. Rhododendrons and Lilac especially benefit from the removal of dead flowers.

Some shrubs may show signs of reverted growth or ‘sporting’. This is where random shoots of different leaves associated with the plant’s parentage begin to appear. Most commonly this is where plants with variegated leaves sprout pure green growths instead of variegated ones.

To control reversion, remove reverted shoots promptly to discourage them. Reverted shoots are usually much more vigorous than the variegated ones, and thus should be completely pruned out and cut back into wood containing variegated foliage.

Potential Issues

Although shrubs are usually very robust garden plants, they can sometimes start to decline with no apparent or obvious reason.

This will start with browning leaves, which could indicate plant stress due to lack of water or waterlogging, an establishment failure or, in the worst case scenario, honey fungus. Another cause of leaf browning is a high salt content in the soil. This could be a natural occurrence, especially if you live near the ocean, or it could be from over fertilisation.

To remedy a high salt content, cut back on fertiliser and step up your watering regime for the next few weeks. If you live by the ocean, this will be harder to remedy—but stepping up your watering will help to wash some of the salt away all the same.

Code: 39986

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