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

prunus laurocerasus lusitanica

Prunus laurocerasus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese Laurel, is a versatile evergreen shrub prized by New Zealand gardeners for its elegant appearance and reliable performance. Whether you’re creating a lush hedgerow for privacy, planting a low-maintenance windbreak, or looking to add year-round greenery to your landscape, this hardy plant is a top choice. With glossy, deep-green leaves and subtle red stems, Prunus lusitanica brings a touch of sophistication to gardens, parks, and urban spaces alike. If you’re seeking an attractive, durable plant with plenty of practical uses, discover why Portuguese Laurel is a favourite in local gardens.

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$387.55
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$387.55
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$387.55
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$387.55
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$494.05
camellia-japonica-roger-hall-
Most Popular Camellia 'Roger Hall'

Camellia 'Roger Hall' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its soft pink blooms that bring elegance and seasonal colour to New Zealand gardens...

From$199.95
Coprosma 'Painters Palette' colourful, glossy foliage.
Most Popular Coprosma 'Painters Palette'

Coprosma 'Painters Palette' is a colourful evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant foliage in shades of pink, cream, gold, and green. Well suited to...

From$16.95
grevillea-cream-and-green-
Most Popular Grevillea 'Cream and Green'

Grevillea 'Cream and Green' is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its soft cream flowers and lush green foliage. Flowering over a long period...

From$28.91
leptospermum-red-damask--1
Most Popular Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring...

From$27.53
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
Most Popular Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to...

From$26.15
Prunus lusitanica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Prunus or Evergreen Shrubs. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like prunus portuguese laurel, and portuguese laurel standard nz.

Search Prunus lusitanica

Why Choose Prunus laurocerasus lusitanica?

Portuguese Laurel stands out for its dense foliage, which makes it a superb screening plant. Unlike many other hedging shrubs, it can handle coastal conditions, moderate shade, and dry periods once established. Its compact growth habit makes it easy to clip into formal shapes, or allow it to grow naturally for a softer look. In summer, it produces small white flowers followed by dark berries, enhancing wildlife appeal. Prunus laurocerasus lusitanica also resists most pests and diseases, meaning less maintenance for busy gardeners.

Ideal Uses in New Zealand Gardens

This plant excels as a privacy hedge. Its fast growth ensures a lush wall within just a few seasons, protecting your family space from wind and noise. It’s equally suited to formal gardens, lining driveways or creating structural interest in mixed borders. For a timeless look, combine with Buxus 'Winter Gem' or colourful companions like Azalea Magnifica and Hebe La Seduisante. Portuguese Laurel also works beautifully as a specimen plant, drawing attention with its polished texture and subtle blooms.

Planting and Care Guide

To establish Prunus laurocerasus lusitanica, select a site with well-draining soil and sunlight ranging from full to partial shade. Enrich with compost before planting, and water regularly until roots are strong. Once mature, it will tolerate drought and light frosts. Prune in late spring or early autumn to maintain your desired shape, whether formal or informal. Fertilising once a year will boost growth and keep leaves lush and glossy.

If you prefer flowering trees or want to diversify your landscape, explore options like Prunus Accolade, Prunus Amanogawa, Prunus Awanui, Prunus Falling Snow, and Prunus Felix Jury. These prunus varieties—each with their own unique blossoms—pair well with Portuguese Laurel for a layered landscape.

Companion Plants and Design Inspiration

Prunus laurocerasus lusitanica is easily integrated alongside shrubs such as Hibiscus 'Harry Boris' and Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia). Mix for contrasting foliage and vibrant seasonal colour. As a backbone plant, Portuguese Laurel forms the bones of your garden, allowing more delicate species to shine.

Bring structure, beauty, and privacy to your outdoor spaces with Prunus laurocerasus lusitanica. Discover its performance and adaptability for gardens across New Zealand, and enjoy the lasting impact of this classic evergreen.


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

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