Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

large portuguese laurel tree

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

5 from 2 customers

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
prunus-accolade-
Most Popular

Prunus Accolade

Prunus Accolade is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of semi-double flowers. The frilly and pink blooms are borne in clusters...

From$299.92
prunus-amanogawa-
Most Popular

Prunus Amanogawa

Prunus Amanogawa is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of pale-pink flowers through spring. The mildly fragrant, semi-double flowers...

From$343.89
prunus-awanui-3
Most Popular

Prunus Awanui

Prunus Awanui is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of fragrant, pink flowers through spring. This deciduous tree grows with a vase...

From$343.89
prunus-falling-snow-
Most Popular

Prunus Falling Snow

Prunus Falling Snow is a variety of Flowering Cherry grown for its pendulous growth and fantastic flowering. It features masses of single, white...

From$343.89
prunus-felix-jury-
Most Popular

Prunus Felix Jury

Prunus Felix Jury is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of large, claret-red blossoms in spring which are held as pendulous clusters...

From$432.79
Coprosma 'Cappuccino' shrub with small, brown leaves.
Most Popular

Coprosma 'Cappuccino' (Brown Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Cappuccino' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and compact rounded form. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$24.98
Leptospermum 'Nana Huia' shrub with masses of pink flowers.
Most Popular

Leptospermum nana 'Huia'

Leptospermum 'Nana Huia' is a compact, evergreen tea tree admired for its delicate, dark green foliage and rich red spring flowers. Growing to around...

From$26.93
rhododendron-mount-everest-
Most Popular

Rhododendron Mt Everest

Rhododendron ‘Mt Everest’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant pink flowers and...

From$36.38
Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' specimen tree with bright yellow foliage.
Most Popular

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit'

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' is a yellow Smoke Tree grown for its foliage and interesting flowers. The foliage is golden yellow and is held off multiple...

From$29.63
Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' with beautiful purple foliage growing out across a deck.
Most Popular

Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous'

Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' produces fragrant, spider-like, dark pink flowers during spring and autumn, which are both unusual and appealing. The...

From$28.28
Prunus lusitanica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Prunus or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Prunus lusitanica

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.

Canna Cannova Rose and Magnolia stellata Waterlily are tried and true, but new favourites like Nerium Madonna (Oleander Nerium), Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo), and Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews