Species

shrub

Portugal Laurel

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus lusitanica, the Portugal laurel, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub or small tree native to the mountainous forests of the Iberian Peninsula and Macaronesia. It features lustrous, dark green leaves held on contrasting deep red stems, accompanied by slender racemes of fragrant white flowers in late spring.

'Angustifolia' is distinguished by its narrower, more refined foliage and a tighter, more compact growth habit than the straight species. This makes it highly favored for formal hedging, topiary, and structured screens where a neat, architectural profile is desired.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly valued for its dense, glossy evergreen foliage, contrasting red stems, and fragrant white flower racemes.

Functions as an excellent, wind-tolerant formal hedge or privacy screen that handles shearing well.

Provides nesting cover for birds, while the flowers support bees and the dark berries feed songbirds.

SpeciesPrunus lusitanicaPortugal Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southwestern Europe, Morocco, Macaronesia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, ensuring the location does not collect standing water.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, keeping the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water deeply at the time of planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, leafless wood without active buds, as the bare stems lack the capacity to generate new epicormic shoots and will remain patchy or die back completely.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late spring or summer after flowering to maintain shape and density.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot diseases.
Feed lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil fertility is poor.

Don't

Do not cut back severely into old, bare wood that lacks green leaves.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or sit in standing water.
Do not mistake the leaves for edible bay laurel, as they contain toxic compounds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen PlantWindbreak

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Hydrangea macrophylla Sarcococca confusa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Portugal Laurel questions

What zones can Portugal Laurel grow in?

Portugal Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Portugal Laurel deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Portugal Laurel, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Portugal Laurel bloom?

Portugal Laurel typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Portugal Laurel need full sun?

Portugal Laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Portugal Laurel drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Portugal Laurel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.