Prunus lusitanica Angustifolia Hedge Plant Description
Portuguese Laurel is an elegant evergreen hedging plant with narrow, pointed, deep-green glossy leaves borne on striking, maroon-coloured stems. The stems are initally green when young, taking on the maroon colouration as they mature, however, plants grown in lower light or cooler temperatures may retain more of a green stem also.
Small, fragrant white flowers blossom in summer which are popular with bees and butterflies, along with small red fruits which are a favourite with birds. In the autumn, the fruits turn black. Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' has traditional qualities to it that are similar to Bay Laurel, making it an ideal choice of hedge for formal situations.
Prunus lusitanica is easy to grow in all soil conditions and situations including dry shade. However if your Portuguese Laurel is growing in dry shade conditions, we advise keeping the plant moist and fed until established. Chalk soil is an excellent choice for Portuguese Laurel but coastal positions must be avoided.
Portuguese Laurel is exceptionally resilient and hardier than Cherry Laurel, although some wind protection is advised in areas where windburn could pose a problem. Prunus lusitanica has a medium growth rate making it easier to maintain and shape. This Laurel species should only need trimming once a year in late summer although it can grow to be much taller if required.
As with other varieties in the Laurel family, but with the exception of Bay Laurel, the leaves and berries are harmful if eaten. Prunus lusitanica is a favourable choice of Laurel hedging, however, Hedges Direct has other popular varieties available, including Cherry Laurel, Spotted Laurel, Laurel Etna, Compact Laurel, Laurel Caucasica and Bay Laurel.
Hedges Direct also has the Ultimate Guide to Laurel Hedging Plants which has more useful information on each of these species.
If Portuguese Laurel has inspired you but you would like to look at other evergreen species, take a look at our range of evergreen hedging plants as great subsitutes for Laurel hedging.
Premium Products - Minimum Order Quantity of 3
Premium products (indicated by a forklift icon and 'Premium Product' in the product table), require specialist delivery due to their size and weight. For these items a minimum order quantity of 3 applies.
*All premium products are excluded from any promotional discounts.
You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our
planting density advice section.
Portuguese Laurel has a medium growth rate so it is quite easy to maintain and shape and should only need one trim per year in late Summer although if you want it to it will grow very tall.
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| Standard Boxes (Bare roots up to 1.2m tall and pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Tall Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m and over) | £14.99 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots (10L+), trees etc) | £60.00 delivery charge (orders up to £350 incl VAT) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450.00 delivery charge (orders up to £1500 incl VAT) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall or large plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.).
Delivery Time - Please note that delivery times are currently 3-7 days excluding bank holidays. *Some troughs and trees may take up to 14 days delivery. We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible to deliver new orders within this timescale.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time).
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care.
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
Nominated Day Delivery
Choose a delivery day that suits you with our new Nominated Day Delivery option at checkout. Whilst our standard no signature delivery means you don't need to take time away from other committments to receive your order, we understand that there are times our customers want to make sure they are present to accept delivery, either to plant straight away or to store somewhere safe and out of the way until you're ready to plant.
For an additional fee, you can make sure that your order arrives on the exact day you want it. Please note that this is additional charge to all qualifying orders, including those above the free delivery threshold for Standard Delivery.
Our Nominated Day Delivery is available year-round on the weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding the day after any bank holiday.
Some products are sent direct from our suppliers and as such are not available for Nominated Day Delivery. These include:- Cell Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Trough Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Hedging Screens- Premium Root Balls (250cm and above in height)- Turf
To book your Nominated Day Delivery for farther ahead than the 3 week window available online, please contact our Sales & Advice team to discuss your options.
