Mature Prunus lusitanica Portuguese Laurel trees

Have a question? Check out our FAQs

Prunus lusitanica Tree

Name: Prunus lusitanica Tree
Brand: Ornamental Trees
SKU: PL.SS.12.3
Price: 70.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Portuguese Laurel

From £70

From £70 ~~£70~~

Available As:

Top grafted/lollipop

Mature standard tree

1.8m-2.0m clear stem with a branched crown on top

Single stem tree

Classic tree with one trunk

Choose Option 8 options

View full details

Choose Option 8 options

Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Key features

Awards RHS Award of Garden Merit

Final size 5 x 6 metres in 20 years

Foliage Glossy, evergreen leaves

Flowers Racemes of creamy white flowers

Soil Tolerates most types that are well-drained, including chalky

Description

An attractive yet hardy evergreen tree, Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel) has many additional uses around the garden. It can be pruned to create a topiary form, planted as a screen or hedge, makes a fantastic windbreak and a brilliant dark foil for other plants. The glossy, dark green slender leaves are striking against new red shoots. Fragrant racemes of creamy white flowers are produced in April-May that attract pollinators. The flowers are followed by red fruits that turn to black.

This useful evergreen tree will tolerate most soil types that are well-drained, including chalky soils when planted in full sun or partial shade. Exposure and heavier shade can be tolerated. Expect 5 x 6 meters in 20 years when Prunus lusitanica is grown as a single specimen. If chosen to grow as a hedging or screening plant, then we would recommend planting 2-3 plants per metre.

AKA Portuguese Laurel, Cherry Bay

Planting Steps

1Preparation

Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.

2Planting

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.

3Last Steps

Water generously around the base of the plant.
If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.

Aftercare Advice

Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

	Small shrubs (1-3)	Young trees & 4+ small shrubs	Select semi-mature trees & shrubs (1-4)	All other mature trees (any quantity)
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands	£10	£12	£35	from £55
Scottish Highlands & the Islands	From £30
Outside Mainland UK	Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK

Find out more