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buy prunus lusitanica

If you’re searching for a hardy, evergreen shrub or hedge, it’s time to buy Prunus lusitanica. Also known as Portuguese Laurel, Prunus lusitanica is a prized choice for New Zealand gardens thanks to its rich green foliage, fragrant white summer flowers, and attractive red stems. This robust plant excels as a privacy screen, formal hedge, or ornamental specimen, delivering year-round structure and glossy beauty with minimal fuss.

Prunus lusitanica

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Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese Laurel, is a large shrub that is widely grown across the world. It features dark red stems that bear lush, dense, and dark green leaves. The white flowers are small and fragrant, followed by small, dark purple berries. It typically grows to 5 m tall and 4 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Prunus lusitanica is an excellent plant for a large garden. It is commonly used as a backdrop for smaller plants, planted for screening and shelter, used for topiary, or included in a “white” garden. Landscape designers favour Portuguese Laurels for their elegance and versatility.

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) standard trees bordering a driveway.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    5.00 m
  • Spread:
    4.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Prunus lusitanica

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Why Choose Prunus lusitanica?

Prunus lusitanica is celebrated for its dense, glossy leaves and fast-growing habit. Its versatility means it fits perfectly into a range of garden settings—from statement specimens to classic hedges along boundaries or driveways. When you buy Prunus lusitanica, you’re investing in a plant that handles trimming with ease, grows well in sun or part shade, and tolerates a variety of soils, making it ideal for both urban and rural New Zealand landscapes.

Growing and Planting Tips

To get the most from your Portuguese Laurel, plant it in well-drained soil and water regularly until established. Prunus lusitanica thrives with an annual trim to encourage bushy, healthy growth and to keep your hedges looking crisp and neat. It’s wind-hardy and copes with coastal conditions, so you can confidently buy Prunus lusitanica for use throughout much of the country.

Great Companions for Portuguese Laurel

Enhance your garden’s visual appeal by pairing Prunus lusitanica with other showstopping trees and shrubs. For a breathtaking spring blossom display, consider classic flowering cherries like Prunus Accolade, Prunus Amanogawa, Prunus Awanui, Prunus Falling Snow, or Prunus Felix Jury. Underplant with fragrant shrubs such as Philadelphus Snowdrift (Philadelphus) or classic Gardenia jasminoides for year-round sensory delight.

For a vibrant, layered look, combine Prunus lusitanica with colourful options like Azalea 'Pax', the blue hues of Salvia chamaedryoides, or showy bottlebrush Callistemon 'Rose Opal'.

Where to Buy Prunus lusitanica

Ready to buy Prunus lusitanica? At our nursery, you’ll find high-quality, healthy Portuguese Laurels in a range of sizes. Whether you want to establish a high-impact hedge or showcase a single specimen, our knowledgeable team can help you select the right plants for your landscape vision. Shop with confidence and enjoy fast delivery nationwide.

Create Your Dream Hedge with Prunus lusitanica

Transform your garden with the year-round style and performance of Prunus lusitanica. Start your next landscaping project by choosing this reliable evergreen and discover why so many New Zealand gardeners prefer to buy Prunus lusitanica for hedges, screens, and structure. Explore companion trees and shrubs like Prunus Accolade and Philadelphus Snowdrift (Philadelphus) to complete your outdoor oasis.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) and Griselinia 'Canterbury', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Melicytus ramiflorus, Olive 'Barnea', and Osmanthus 'Pearly Gates'?
–The Plant Company

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