Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' | Portuguese Laurel

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' – Portuguese Laurel

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is one of the finest evergreen hedging and screening plants available. Narrower-leaved than the species, this cultivar produces a denser, more refined hedge with elegant, dark glossy foliage, fragrant white flower racemes in early summer, and small dark berries that attract wildlife in autumn. A premium alternative to cherry laurel with far greater versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Key Characteristics

• Dense, dark evergreen foliage with a refined, narrow leaf form
• Fragrant white flower spikes in late spring to early summer
• Small dark purple berries in autumn — attractive to birds
• Excellent wind resistance and pollution tolerance
• Suitable as a hedge, screen, or trained as a small specimen tree

Growing Guidance

Thrives in full sun to full shade, making it one of the most adaptable hedging plants for challenging positions. Tolerates most well-drained soils including chalk and clay. Clip once a year after flowering to maintain a neat hedge, or allow to grow freely as a multi-stemmed screen or small tree. Hardy throughout the UK.

Ideal Uses

Portuguese laurel is equally at home as a formal clipped hedge, an informal screen, or a specimen shrub in a mixed border. Its tolerance of shade and exposed conditions makes it a reliable choice where other evergreens struggle.