Prunus lusitanica
(Portugal Laurel)
Family - Rosaceae
Category - Shrub
Origin - Portugal, Spain
Year of Introduction - 1648
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H5
Height - 9m or more
Width - 6m or more
Location - The Woodland Walk
Description: A large-sized, Evergreen Shrub with a bushy, spreading habit. Very dark green leaves with red petioles (leaf stems) are ovate to Elliptic in shape. Highly fragrant, white, cup-shaped flowers with spreading petals are produced in dense Racemes from late spring into early summer. The flowers are followed by round, red berries that turn deep blue, nearly black, with age. Prunus lusitanica is mostly used for hedging and screening purposes and the ultimate height and spread can be controlled through pruning.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Additional common name - Portuguese Laurel
Flower:
Highly scented, white, cup-shaped flowers with spreading petals are produced in dense racemes in May and June. The flowers are followed by round, red berries that turn deep blue, nearly black with age.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Cup-shaped flowers in racemes
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
Glossy, very dark green leaves with red petioles are ovate to Elliptic in shape and have pointed tips. The leaves are Alternately arranged on the branches.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Ovate to elliptic
Poison Information:
This plant is poisonous and will cause discomfort if ingested.
Propagation:
Cultivation:
Best in sun or shade in moisture retentive, but well drained soil.
