Portuguese Laurel
Prunus lusitanica
Portuguese Laurel is a refined evergreen hedge with smaller dark green leaves and attractive red stems. Hardy, dense and naturally elegant, it is ideal for formal boundaries and year-round screening in most UK gardens.
Planting & care
- Water well for the first two summers while roots establish
- Trim with secateurs rather than a hedge cutter to avoid slicing large leaves
- Mulch annually with bark or compost to hold moisture
- Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring for faster fill
At a glance
Fast-growing, evergreen and suited to most UK gardens. Plant 3 per metre for a hedge that fills out quickly.
Reviews · ★★★★★ 5.0
Sophie R. · Devon
Really impressed with the quality, bushy right down to the base. Would happily order again.
Angela W. · Norfolk
Good communication and quick delivery. All thriving three months on.
PORTUGUESE LAUREL HUB
Everything you need to plant, grow and keep a Portuguese Laurel hedge, in one place.
Planted today at around 35cm.
Pruning
- Trim once or twice a year, spring and late summer, with secateurs.
- Tolerates very hard renovation and will reshoot from a bare frame.
Diseases & problems
- Shothole and leaf spot can cause cosmetic holes and marks. Remove affected foliage.
- Powdery mildew can appear on young growth in dry summers. Water at the roots.
- Improve drainage before planting to prevent root rot in wet ground.
Soil & position
Select the conditions in your garden:
Choose one or more conditions to see the relevant planting advice.
Most hedging grows best in well-drained soil. Check the selected conditions before choosing your plants.
FAQ
Is Portuguese Laurel poisonous?
Keep plant material away from children and pets, and do not eat any part of the plant.
How quickly does it thicken?
With good watering and annual feeding, new growth quickly fills gaps between plants.
Inspiration
- The classic road noise screen for front gardens
- A deep green backdrop that makes borders pop
- Fast privacy along new-build fence lines