Further Information

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.

Pruning Advice

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.

Delivery & Returns

Everything you need to know about your delivery: Free delivery - this is available on most orders when you reach a minimum order value for your packaging type which is based on the size and quantity of plants that you order. Details are in the delivery information table below.

Packaging Type	Standard Delivery Charge	Minimum Order Values for FREE Delivery
Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and inc 7.5L)	£7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £80)	Orders of £80 and over - FREE
Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc)	£60 delivery charge (orders up to £350)	Orders of £350 and over - FREE
Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery)	£450 delivery charge (orders up to £1500)	Orders of £1500 and over - FREE

Nominated Day Delivery – Choose a day that suits you for your delivery. If nominated delivery is available on the products you’ve chosen, you’ll be able to select this option at checkout. Fees for this will depend on the product selected and your delivery address.

For full delivery information, including geographical exceptions, see our delivery page

Portuguese Laurel Hedge Prunus lusitanica

Name: Portuguese Laurel Hedge
SKU: PRUL
Price: 3.49 GBP
Availability: InStock

From £3.49

In Stock

Portuguese Laurel is one of our most popular hedge plants. It is often referred to by its Latin name Prunus lusitanica Angustifolia and showcases luscious dark-green, pointed, glossy leaves on striking deep-pink or maroon stems when mature, whilst younger plants or those grown in shadier or cooler conditions can display lush green stems.

EVERGREEN
AVERAGE GROWING
HAS FLOWERS (White)
FULL SHADE

Planting Conditions: Suitable for normal, clay or chalk soils, full sun to full shade and inland or exposed sites
Growth Rate: Average growth, expect 30-50cm per year
Height: Easily maintained at 1-5m
12 Month Guarantee On All Plants - Buy With Confidence

In stock

Subscribe to back in stock notification

I have read & accept the Privacy Policy

SKU PRUL

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.

What are root types?

Root types explained.

Bare root
Field grown, bare roots are young plants that are only planted when they are dormant, from autumn to spring. We lift bare root plants and despatch them during the season but they can be pre-ordered in summer. As they are cheaper to grow, they are one of our most affordable hedge planting options.
Pot grown
Pot grown plants can be planted year round and make a convenient option. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 10cm to 2.5m so they're suitable for the majority of planting requirements.
Root ball
Also field grown, root ball plants are scooped out of the ground using machinery to keep their root system intact and wrapped in bio-degradable, hessian sacks. They are mature plants that provide dense coverage very early on, ideal for when you need a thick hedge quickly.
Instant
Grown in troughs or bags that measure 50cm-1 metre in length and carefully clipped during the growing season. Our instant hedging troughs create a dramatic, instant hedge effect.