Prunus lusitanica 'ANGUSTIFOLIA' Portugal laurel - STANDARD TREE

Angustifolia is a very elegant variety of Portugal laurel. Irrespective of its origin it belongs to the hardiest evergreen plants for our climate and performs better than some large-leaved cherry laurels. It has narrower leaves than the species and brighter red stalks and new twigs. In May and June appear numerous racemes, compound of white, sweetly scented flowers. Fruits are black berries, and tests proved that they are not poisonous, only seeds from unripe fruit can cause stomach discomfort if eaten in quantity.

It grows moderately and very dense into a symmetrically pyramidal shape. In our climate it seldom reaches 3m tall. The crown keeps its compact habit even without pruning. It is often shaped into a ball and such shape has to be maintained by light pruning every 3 or 4 years. Otherwise it will come back to its natural pyramidal form. Pruning and trimming is done any time from late March until mid July. If fruit is banished from your garden cut it right after flowering.

Portugal laurel loves full sun and neutral or slightly acid, moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. In locations with cold and long winters we suggest finding it a place without direct winter sunlight that might burn its leaves. Once established it tolerates heavy clay in lower parts and summer dry spells. On the other hand, the moister the soil, the richer and healthier foliage you can expect. In winter provide extra watering in frost-free periods when the ground is not frozen. Reliably hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6) but withstands short periods of lower temperatures. Freshly transplanted trees have to be staked to support for 2-3 years, and their trunks covered with jute as prevention from drying out in winter and spring.

Last update 17-01-2013