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prunus evergreen shrub

The prunus evergreen shrub stands out as one of New Zealand's most versatile, attractive, and reliable choices for year-round structure in the garden. Beloved for its glossy foliage, adaptability, and variety of uses, the prunus evergreen shrub is particularly valued in hedges, screening, and as a feature plant. With several outstanding varieties available, gardeners can easily find a prunus evergreen shrub that suits both traditional and modern landscapes.

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) standard trees bordering a driveway.

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.

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-laurocerasus-3

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. Reaching up to 6 metres in height and 5 metres in spread, it serves as an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen tree in New Zealand gardens. Its adaptability to various soil types and tolerance to frost make it a reliable and low-maintenance addition to your landscape.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
Prunus 'Jim's Delight' rose pink flowers on a tree.

Prunus 'Jim's Delight'

Prunus 'Jim’s Delight' is a stunning flowering cherry renowned for its spectacular spring blossoms and vibrant seasonal foliage. This small deciduous...

From$343.89
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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$432.79
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Prunus Shirotae

Prunus Shirotae is a graceful deciduous tree prized for its abundant pure white blossoms that brighten gardens each spring. Its upright, spreading...

From$343.89
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Prunus yedoensis

Prunus yedoensis, commonly known as the Yoshino cherry, is celebrated for its profuse white blossoms in early spring. This deciduous tree grows to...

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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...

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Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura

Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features pendulous branches and stunning flowers. It produces masses of the large...

From$432.79
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Prunus Southern Gem

Prunus 'Southern Gem' is a beautiful cherry tree prized for its early pink blossoms that herald the arrival of spring. This deciduous tree grows up...

From$343.89
Prunus campanulata superba with pink flowers and a tui in the tree.

Prunus campanulata Superba

Prunus campanulata Superba is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of single, rose-red blossoms. These are held in pendulous clusters...

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Prunus Ukon

Prunus 'Ukon', a cultivar of Japanese flowering cherry, is renowned for its distinctive creamy yellow blossoms that bloom in late spring. Unlike the...

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Prunus Pendula Rosea

Prunus subhirtella Pendula Rosea is a variety of Flowering Cherry grown for its impressive flowering and pendulous growth habit. This tree produces...

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Prunus Tai Haku

Prunus 'Tai Haku', also known as the Great White Cherry, is prized for its large, pure white blossoms that bloom in mid to late spring. This...

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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...

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Prunus mume The Geisha

Prunus mume 'The Geisha', commonly known as Japanese Apricot, is a deciduous tree celebrated for its delightful fragrance and early winter blooms...

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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
An avenue of Prunus 'Pink Perfection' trees with pink blossoms.

Prunus 'Pink Perfection'

Prunus 'Pink Perfection' is a stunning flowering cherry celebrated for its profusion of double pink blossoms in spring. This deciduous tree brings...

From$432.79
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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
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Prunus Ichiyo

Prunus 'Ichiyo' is a stunning cherry tree known for its large, double pink blossoms that bloom profusely in mid to late spring. This deciduous tree...

From$432.79
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Prunus Spire

Growing Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' in NZ is straightforward when planted in full sun and free draining soil. It tolerates a variety of conditions...

From$343.89
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Prunus Pink Cloud

Prunus 'Pink Cloud' is a beautiful cherry tree known for its profuse vibrant pink blossoms in spring. This deciduous tree grows up to 5 metres tall...

From$432.79
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Prunus mume Peggy Clarke

Prunus mume 'Peggy Clarke' is a charming apricot tree valued for its fragrant pink blossoms that bloom in late winter to early spring. This deciduous...

From$432.79
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Prunus Okame

Prunus Okame is a beautiful deciduous tree known for its early spring display of vibrant pink blossoms. Its upright, rounded growth habit and...

From$343.89
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Prunus autumnalis Rosea

Prunus Autumnalis Rosea is a popular variety of Flowering Cherry due to its stunning blooms and long flowering. It features semi-double, pale-pink...

From$343.89
Beautiful Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' pink and white blossoms.

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$343.89
euryops-sunshine-

Euryops pectinatus Sunshine (Euryops)

Euryops pectinatus Sunshine is a vigorous, evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It produces showy, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers...

From$21.53
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Prunus Thundercloud

Prunus Thundercloud, commonly known as the Thundercloud Plum, is a deciduous ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant purple foliage and early...

From$343.89
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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
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Pieris Pink Delight (Lily Of The Valley Shrub Pieris japonica)

Pieris Pink Delight is an attractive shrub grown for both its foliage and flowers. This compact, rounded shrub produces pink buds that open into...

From$81.13
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Prunus Mountain Haze

Prunus Mountain Haze Tree Size and Growth Habit

From$432.79
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Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is a charming cherry tree prized for its fragrant pale pink blossoms that appear in early spring. This deciduous tree grows to...

From$432.79
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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$29.63
Prunus lusitanica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dichroa, Euryops Pieris and Prunus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Flowering Apricots Flowering Cherry Tree and Flowering Plums.

Search prunus evergreen shrub

Why Choose a Prunus Evergreen Shrub?

A prunus evergreen shrub provides enduring greenery through all seasons, making it an excellent solution for privacy hedges and windbreaks. These shrubs require minimal maintenance once established and respond well to clipping, ensuring a neat, formal look or a lush, natural barrier. Their dense foliage offers shelter for birds and other wildlife, which is ideal for creating a thriving, biodiverse garden.

Popular Prunus Evergreen Shrub Varieties

A top pick among gardeners is the Prunus lusitanica, or Portuguese Laurel. Valued for its deep green, leathery leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring, this prunus evergreen shrub is often used for tall hedges and shelter belts. Its hardiness and tolerance for shaping make it perfect for formal or informal settings.

Another highly adaptable evergreen is Prunus laurocerasus, also known as English Laurel. It's favoured for its rapid growth, large, glossy leaves, and strong screening potential, making it one of the most popular choices for privacy hedging throughout New Zealand gardens.

Looking for something a little more unique? Consider Prunus 'Jim's Delight', which provides year-round interest and a robust habit, or for a touch of ornamental charm, Prunus triloba Plena offers stunning double pink blooms and cheerful greenery.

Growing and Caring for Your Prunus Evergreen Shrub

The prunus evergreen shrub thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. While most varieties are adaptable to shade or full sun, flowering is best in sunnier locations. Once established, these shrubs are drought tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during dry spells. Pruning after flowering will keep your prunus evergreen shrub tidy and healthy, whether you’re maintaining a formal hedge or a loose screen.

Mulching around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, and an annual top-dressing with compost or slow-release fertilizer keeps foliage lush. These shrubs are generally pest and disease resistant, adding to their appeal for busy or beginner gardeners.

Enhance Your Garden with Prunus

The adaptability, fast growth, and year-round foliage of the prunus evergreen shrub make it a mainstay for New Zealand gardens. Whether you choose a classic like Prunus lusitanica, a bold Prunus laurocerasus, or an ornamental standout like Prunus 'Jim's Delight' or Prunus triloba Plena, you'll enjoy lasting beauty and privacy. For larger statement trees, explore Prunus Kanzan to add another layer of interest to your landscape.

Explore the full range of prunus evergreen shrubs to create a garden that is lush, private, and vibrant all year round.


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