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portuguese laurel hedge nz

If you’re searching for a robust, evergreen solution for privacy or wind protection in your garden, the Portuguese laurel hedge is a top choice for gardens across New Zealand. Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese laurel, offers dense, glossy foliage and a refined shape, making it ideal for both boundary hedges and formal landscaping. Whether your property is urban or rural, the Portuguese laurel hedge NZ gardeners love thrives in varied conditions, maintaining its lush green appearance year-round. Its tolerance for pruning and resilience against pests make it a versatile, low-maintenance addition to New Zealand gardens.

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 Portuguese Laurel Hedge in NZ?

Prunus lusitanica is prized for its elegant, dark green leaves and subtle red stems, adding structure and sophistication to any landscape. The Portuguese laurel hedge NZ homeowners prefer is not only beautiful but also tough—adaptable to coastal climates, urban settings, and rural environments alike. This hedge works equally well as a tidy, formal screen or a more natural, drought-hardy windbreak. Its adaptability to both sun and part shade, as well as its resistance to dry spells, makes it particularly well-suited to New Zealand’s changeable weather.

Planting and Growing Tips

Portuguese laurel is straightforward to establish. For best results, plant young Prunus lusitanica trees in well-draining soil and mulch generously to conserve moisture. Regular watering during the first year helps roots get established, while an annual trim will keep your Portuguese laurel hedge NZ neatly shaped and encourage bushy growth. Mature hedges respond well to pruning, allowing you to create a formal look or maintain privacy. Because it grows relatively fast—without becoming unruly—this hedge is an excellent option for families seeking privacy or for gardeners wanting a backdrop to their flower beds.

Pairing with Other Plants

Integrate the Portuguese laurel with other hardy ornamentals for year-round colour and texture. Combine your hedge with flowering shrubs like Camellia Black Magic for stunning winter blooms or with New Zealand natives such as Macropiper excelsum for a lush, layered effect. If you’re seeking seasonal interest, try pairing with colourful varieties like Fuchsia 'Dorien' or Grevillea lavandulacea 'Billy Wings'. For gardeners wanting to diversify their tree selection, consider flowering cherries such as Prunus Amanogawa, Prunus Accolade, Prunus Awanui, Prunus Falling Snow, and Prunus Felix Jury.

Portuguese Laurel Hedge Care in New Zealand

Maintaining your Portuguese laurel hedge NZ-wide is refreshingly easy. Look for signs of water stress or pest activity during hot spells, and mulch to suppress weeds. An annual feed with a general-purpose fertiliser will keep your hedge healthy and vigorous. Thanks to its compact habit, the Portuguese laurel is perfect for both suburban gardens and larger estates, providing year-round privacy and leafy luxury.

Find Your Perfect Hedge Plant

Ready to transform your landscape with a Portuguese laurel hedge NZ gardeners recommend? Our nursery offers healthy, well-established Prunus lusitanica plants for delivery across New Zealand. Explore companion shrubs like Dichroa febrifuga (Chinese Quinine) for additional interest, and browse our flowering trees and shrubs to create a garden that thrives from season to season. Let the beauty and practicality of Portuguese laurel make your outdoor space a private, peaceful sanctuary.


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.

–The Plant Company

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