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prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge

If you’re searching for an evergreen hedge that combines elegance, robustness, and privacy, the Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge is a top choice for New Zealand gardens. This narrow-leaved form of the classic Portuguese Laurel is adored for its dense, glossy green foliage and its versatility as a hedging plant. Whether framing your entryway or shielding an outdoor living space from view, a Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge provides year-round structure and style while thriving in a range of Kiwi conditions.

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 a Prunus lusitanica angustifolia Hedge?

A Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge brings together beauty, privacy, and low maintenance. The slender, pointed leaves of this laurel variety create a fine-textured, formal look suitable for both modern and traditional garden designs. Its strong branching structure makes it ideal for tightly clipped hedges or for a more informal, natural screen. Portuguese Laurels are renowned for their resilience to wind, salt spray, and urban pollution, making a Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge particularly suited to coastal or city environments.

Growth and Care of Prunus lusitanica angustifolia Hedge

One reason Kiwi gardeners love the Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge is its ease of care. This hedge tolerates full sun to part shade, grows in most well-draining soils, and is unfazed by a range of climatic conditions. Expect moderate to fast growth—generally 30 to 60cm annually—allowing you to establish privacy fairly quickly. With regular trimming, your Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge will develop a dense, lush appearance. The small white flower clusters in late spring add subtle fragrance, and small dark berries delight native birds.

How to Plant and Maintain Your Portuguese Laurel Hedge

For best results, plant your Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge at 80cm to 1m intervals, ensuring each plant has ample room to fill out. Water well during the first season while roots establish, then reduce watering as the plant matures. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to keep foliage shiny. Prune up to three times a year to keep hedges crisp and to encourage dense branching. Maintaining a Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for both new and experienced gardeners.

Complementary Plants for Your Hedge

Enhance your garden by pairing your Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge with flowering trees and shrubs. Consider the elegant Prunus Accolade or the upright Prunus Amanogawa for spring blossom displays. For a lush understorey, try the vivid Azalea Whitehouse or Azalea Elsie Lee, or contrast with the unique texture of Pittosporum 'Waihao'. Those seeking extra late-summer colour might explore Fuchsia 'Breeders Delight' or the bird-attracting Grevillea Soopa Doopa.

Why Portuguese Laurel Makes a Stunning Hedge

The Prunus lusitanica angustifolia hedge stands out for its all-season appeal, tolerance of trimming, and classic good looks. Perfect as a boundary, driveway screen, or garden backdrop, it’s a long-lasting and rewarding hedging solution for New Zealand gardens. If you’re planning a broader Prunus-themed landscape, browse Prunus Accolade, Prunus Amanogawa, or Prunus Felix Jury to create a coordinated garden that flourishes year after year.


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