Species Portugal laurel

Portugal laurel

Prunus lusitanica

The Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to Portugal, Spain, and northwest Morocco. It can grow up to 10 meters in height and is often pruned and grown as a hedge. The leaves are glossy, dark green, with serrated margins and have a pleasant aroma when crushed. Its white flowers develop into round, black fruits in late summer. Portugal laurel is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for a garden or yard. It is tolerant of most temperatures, but should be protected from strong winds. With its dense foliage and fragrant flowers, Portugal laurel makes a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

7

Flowers:

Showy, White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) requires moderate watering, as too much water can cause root rot. Water the plant every week, providing 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season in spring and summer. Be sure to allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks as the plant enters dormancy. If you live in a hot climate, it may need more frequent watering.

sunlight

Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) plants grow best in full sun and require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily in order to thrive. When grown in less than full sun, the plants may become leggy and drop foliage. If grown in an area that receives too much sunlight, the foliage can become scorched and the plants may also become more susceptible to insect and disease damage. In the summer months, it is best to provide morning and afternoon shade to help prevent foliage damage from extreme heat and to help conserve moisture.

pruning

Portugal laurel should be pruned twice a year if you want the shrub to reach its full potential. The first pruning session should take place in late winter, just before new growth begins in early spring. During this time, thin out any overcrowded branches and remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also remove any suckers or branches that have grown out of the desired shape of the plant. The second pruning session should occur in late summer, just before the start of autumn. During this time, you can trim back any branches that have grown too tall or long, and cut any crossing or competing branches. If you want to keep the shrub smaller, then you should be more aggressive with the pruning. It is important to never prune Portugal laurel more than twice a year, as too much pruning at once can stress the plant out and cause it to produce fewer flowers and fewer berries. Additionally, make sure to use the appropriate tools when pruning and clean the blades between use to avoid the spread of disease.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus lusitanica typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Prunus lusitanica typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus lusitanica typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map