Botanical name: Prunus lusitanica
Common name: Portuguese laurel
Height & Spread: 3M X 1M
Planting spacing: 40cm apart
Where to plant: Full sun but does very well in partial shade
Pruning: August/September
Leaves: Evergreen
Irish Weather Hardiness: Hardy
Portuguese Laurel boasts luscious dark green, pointed, glossy leaves on striking deep pink or maroon stems.
This evergreen hedging plant has small fragrant white flowers (loved by bees and butterflies) in the Summer and small red fruits (incredibly popular with birds), turning black, in autumn.
Prunus lusitanica Angustifolia is easy to grow in all soils and situations except coastal positions although some wind protection is advised in areas where windburn could pose a problem.
This species 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.