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where to buy portuguese laurel

Looking for where to buy Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) in New Zealand? This evergreen shrub or small tree is a favourite among Kiwi gardeners for its lush green foliage, elegant form, and versatility. Portuguese laurel is widely used for hedging, screening, and as a specimen plant, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial landscapes. If you’re keen to add this robust, attractive plant to your garden, here’s everything you need to know before purchasing—and how to ensure you’re getting top-quality plants.

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 (Prunus lusitanica)?

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese laurel, is prized for its glossy, deep green leaves, dense growth habit, and ability to thrive in various conditions. This species is well-suited to New Zealand’s climate, offering year-round privacy and wind protection. Portuguese laurel can handle sun, partial shade, and even drought once established. Its white spring flowers add seasonal flair, and the small black berries attract native birds.

If you’re interested in similar flowering trees, consider exploring Prunus Accolade, Prunus Amanogawa, Prunus Awanui, Prunus Falling Snow, or Prunus Felix Jury for unique blooms and seasonal colour.

Ideal Uses for Portuguese Laurel

Portuguese laurel is an excellent choice for formal hedges, privacy screens, and shelter belts thanks to its dense, upright growth. With occasional trimming, it creates tidy, symmetrical boundaries for gardens and driveways. It also works well as a statement specimen tree or backdrop for mixed borders. For those designing wildlife-friendly or low-maintenance gardens, this species offers beauty with minimal fuss.

Complement Portuguese laurel in your landscape with resilient shrubs like Grevillea lanigera 'Lutea', Cytisus 'Boskoop Ruby', or Grevillea Panrock Princess for varied foliage and seasonal interest.

Where to Buy Portuguese Laurel in New Zealand

When searching for where to buy Portuguese laurel locally, it’s essential to choose a trusted nursery that offers healthy, well-established plants. Leading nurseries supply Portuguese laurel in various sizes, from young potted shrubs to mature specimens ready for planting.

Look for plants with vibrant leaves, strong stems, and well-developed roots. You’ll enjoy better results when planting nursery-grown plants versus bargain-bin options. If you require advice on garden design, many nurseries offer expert guidance to help you select the right size and quantity for your hedges or borders.

Planting, Care, and Companion Planting

Portuguese laurel is straightforward to plant and care for. Choose a sunny or partly shaded spot, prepare the soil with compost, and water regularly until established. With minimal pruning, Prunus lusitanica forms a beautiful, dense hedge. For year-round interest, pair it with flowering shrubs like Prostanthera rotundifolia Rosea (Mint Bush Prostanthera) or striking bloomers like Protea 'Peach Sheen'.

Buy Your Portuguese Laurel Today

Ready to transform your garden with Portuguese laurel? Discover where to buy Portuguese laurel and enjoy its beauty and resilience in your landscape. With expert nursery support and a great range of companion plants, it’s easier than ever to create a stunning, privacy-enhancing garden in New Zealand.


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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.

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