- Botanical name: Prunus lusitanica
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
Prunus lusitanica, also known as Portuguese laurel or Portugal laurel, is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree. It has long, shiny, dark green leaves on dark red stems. Small, white flowers are borne on long racemes in early summer, popular with bees and other pollinators. These are followed by small red-purple fruits, which are attractive to birds. Prunus lusitanica is often grown as a dense, evergreen hedge. It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Prunus lusitanica is a low maintenance, drought-tolerant plant, suitable for growing in a range of soils and situations – ideally, grow it in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold winds. Prune established plants in late spring or early summer to keep them looking tidy or to keep them to a certain size.
Buy and plant Prunus lusitanica as a pot-grown plant all year round, or as bare-root plants during the dormant season (November to March). It grows at a rate of between 30cm-50cm a year. The foliage and berries are harmful if ingested. Wear gloves when handling and wash your hands afterwards.
Where to buy Prunus lusitanica
This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.
How to grow Prunus lusitanica
-
Plant size
15m height
10m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do Plant in January |
F
Do Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do not Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do not Prune in March |
A
Do not Prune in April |
M
Do not Prune in May |
J
Do Prune in June |
J
Do Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do not Prune in September |
O
Do not Prune in October |
N
Do not Prune in November |
D
Do not Prune in December |
Prunus lusitanica and wildlife
Prunus lusitanica is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Prunus lusitanica poisonous?
Prunus lusitanica is harmful if ingested. Its foilage and fruit are toxic.
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
Plants that go well with Prunus lusitanica
