how to grow portuguese laurel
Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) has fast become a favourite for New Zealand gardens, thanks to its glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white flowers, and versatility as a hedge or specimen tree. If you're wondering how to grow Portuguese laurel for a dense privacy screen, attractive boundary, or simply to add lush structure to your landscape, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through planting, care, and maintenance, so your Portuguese laurel thrives in Kiwi conditions.
Prunus lusitanica
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.
From $29.63
- 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
