large portuguese laurel tree

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

A large Portuguese Laurel tree, or Prunus lusitanica, is one of New Zealand’s favourite evergreen choices for gardens and landscapes seeking privacy, structure, and year-round lushness. Known for its dense, glossy foliage and fast, upright growth, the Portuguese Laurel is perfect for those who need a hardy, attractive screen or specimen tree. Often reaching 5–8 metres when mature, it delivers both aesthetics and function, thriving in a wide range of conditions throughout the country.

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.

Buy Prunus lusitanica

From $28.95

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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Key Features of the Large Portuguese Laurel Tree

A mature large Portuguese Laurel tree stands out with its rich, deep green leaves and reddish young stems. In late spring to early summer, sprays of fragrant white flowers appear, followed by small dark berries that attract native birds. The dense, evergreen habit provides outstanding shelter from wind and noise, making it one of the best choices for privacy hedging or a statement tree in a large garden.

Gardeners appreciate how tolerant Portuguese Laurels are of regular clipping and shaping. They respond well to pruning, whether you want a formal hedge or an informal, natural look. Their robust nature makes them less susceptible to pests and diseases, so maintenance is minimal.

Planting and Growing Conditions

The large Portuguese Laurel tree is incredibly versatile. It flourishes in full sun but is just as happy in partial shade. Plant in well-drained soil enriched with compost, and water regularly in the first summer for a strong start. Once established, Prunus lusitanica is drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, which makes it especially suitable for exposed coastal sites as well as sheltered urban backyards.

If you’re planning an instant hedge or need to move a larger specimen, consider using our 60L Planter Bags (Fabric Grow Bags) for ease of establishment and healthy root development.

Beautiful Companions for Portuguese Laurel

Pairing your large Portuguese Laurel tree with other ornamentals enhances both their beauty and functionality. For a flowering spring display or to create an avenue, explore our range of cherries like Prunus Accolade, Prunus Amanogawa, Prunus Awanui, and Prunus Falling Snow. For statement colour and seasonal interest beneath or beside your laurel, team with robust shrubs such as Azalea Leopold Astrid (Rhododendron Astrid), Camellia 'Elegans Splendor', or the classic Rhododendron Furnivals Daughter.

Why Choose a Large Portuguese Laurel Tree?

Selecting a large Portuguese Laurel tree means investing in a long-lived, reliable solution for privacy, shelter, and curb appeal. Whether shaping formal hedges or using as a lush backdrop for feature plants like Azalea 'Advent Bells' or Prunus Felix Jury, the versatility and resilience of Portuguese Laurel make it a must-have for both new and established gardens in New Zealand.

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.