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

portuguese laurel standard

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and formality to your garden or landscape, the Portuguese laurel standard (Prunus lusitanica) is an excellent choice. This beautiful tree features a tidy, upright form that can serve as a stunning focal point in any outdoor space. With its glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers, the Portuguese laurel standard not only enhances your garden’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a multitude of uses.

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$415.65
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$415.65
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$415.65
prunus-kanzan-1
Most Popular

Prunus Kanzan

Prunus Kanzan is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of double, rich pink blossoms through spring. This deciduous tree grows with a...

From$444.27
Beautiful Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' pink and white blossoms.
Most Popular

Prunus Shimidsu Sakura

Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' is an elegant deciduous tree celebrated for its abundant pink blossoms that brighten gardens in spring. Its upright growth...

From$415.65
Escallonia 'Red Elf' red flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Most Popular

Escallonia 'Red Elf'

Escallonia 'Red Elf' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and vibrant, red, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late...

From$22.98
lavandula-ghostly-princess--2
Most Popular

Lavandula Ghostly Princess

Lavandula Ghostly Princess is a very showy Lavender variety that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of stunning, dual coloured, pink flower...

From$21.12
Cornus 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.
Most Popular

Cornus 'Stokes Pink'

Cornus 'Stokes Pink' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, two-tone pink flowers are borne...

From$284.37
hebe-violet-cushion-
Most Popular

Hebe Violet Cushion

Hebe Violet Cushion is a popular variety of Hebe due to both its colourful foliage and flowers. It grows as a rounded shrub carrying fine, mid-green...

From$29.38
teucrium-platinum-baby-
Most Popular

Teucrium Platinum Baby

Teucrium Platinum Baby is a popular, evergreen shrub that features small, blue-purple flowers during summer and autumn. These are complemented with...

From$22.98
Prunus lusitanica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Prunus or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Prunus lusitanica

Characteristics of Portuguese Laurel Standard

The Portuguese laurel standard is characterized by its dense, bushy growth habit, making it an ideal choice for creating privacy screens or hedges. This evergreen tree can grow to heights of about 4 to 6 meters, depending on how it's maintained. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, providing a vibrant backdrop for the delicate clusters of white flowers that bloom in spring. These flowers not only add beauty but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enriching your garden's ecosystem.

One of the standout features of the Portuguese laurel standard is its adaptability to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for different gardening environments. This resilience makes it a popular choice among New Zealand gardeners who appreciate low-maintenance yet stunning plants.

Uses of Portuguese Laurel Standard

In gardens, the Portuguese laurel standard can be used in a variety of ways. Its elegant structure works wonderfully as an ornamental specimen tree, while its dense foliage makes it perfect for creating privacy screening or windbreaks. In urban settings, this standard can enhance streetscapes and greater landscapes, offering a touch of nature amidst concrete.

Moreover, Portuguese laurel is often used in formal gardens to support an air of sophistication. Pair it with other structured plants, such as Prunus Accolade or Prunus Awanui, for a layered look that highlights the unique features of each plant.

Caring for Your Portuguese Laurel Standard

Maintaining a healthy Portuguese laurel standard is straightforward. Regular pruning helps in controlling its size and shape, promoting a bushy appearance. It’s best done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Watering is crucial during dry spells, especially for new plantings, to ensure its roots establish well.

These standards can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so be vigilant. Regular inspections and using organic pest control methods can keep your tree thriving. Consider planting alongside hardy companions like Hydrangea Snowball and Leptospermum Phoenix to create a diverse garden that naturally deters pests.

Conclusion

The Portuguese laurel standard (Prunus lusitanica) is a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden or landscape in New Zealand. Its elegant form, adaptability, and minimal maintenance make it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Elevate your garden's appeal with this stunning standard, alongside other fantastic plants such as Prunus Felix Jury, Azalea Mrs Kint, or even a vibrant mass of wildflowers to create a lush and inviting environment. Embrace the beauty and functionality of the Portuguese laurel standard in your outdoor space today!


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.

While Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Rose Graham Thomas often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Azalea Red Wings, Carex comans Red, and Hedera canariensis Variegata (Variegated Ivy) quietly shine in any garden.
–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.

4.9

411 Google reviews