Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Portugal Laurel

Prunus Lusitanica

Design with this plant

Overview

The Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a lush, evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 18-20 feet. Its glossy, deep green leaves contrast beautifully with fragrant white flowers in early summer, followed by small, dark purple berries. This hardy, versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to various soils. Ideal for hedges and privacy screens, it requires minimal pruning to maintain shape and size.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 7–10Type Shrub, TreeClimate Mediterranean
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — regular pruning of the Portugal Laurel is recommended; then reduce frequency once the plant is established
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — making it an excellent choice for privacy screens; the Portugal Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 6-9Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — In late spring to early summerPortugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — tolerating temperatures down to about 0&deg;F to -10&deg;F.<br><br>OverallPortugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — providing year-round interest and a lush backdrop to any garden settingPortugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — For optimal growth and formPortugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — In late spring to early summer; for optimal growth and form+74

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub, Tree
Family
Rosaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (81)

Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — regular pruning of the Portugal Laurel is recommended; then reduce frequency once the plant is established
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — making it an excellent choice for privacy screens; the Portugal Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 6-9
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — In late spring to early summer
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — tolerating temperatures down to about 0&deg;F to -10&deg;F.<br><br>Overall
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — providing year-round interest and a lush backdrop to any garden setting
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — For optimal growth and form
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — In late spring to early summer; for optimal growth and form
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — leathery leaves that measure around 4 to 10 inches in length; this robust plant can reach a mature height of 10 to 20 feet
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — then reduce frequency once the plant is established
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — Ideal for hedges and privacy screens, it requires minimal pruning to maintain shape and size
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — it boasts clusters of fragrant
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — this plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade to full sun exposure; commonly referred to as
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — it boasts clusters of fragrant; the Prunus lusitanica is a low-maintenance and resilient addition to any landscape
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — or you can feature it as a focal point in a mixed border
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — red to purple-black berries appear, image 50
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — tolerating temperatures down to about 0&deg;F to -10&deg;F.<br><br>Overall, image 61
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — Ideal for hedges and privacy screens, it requires minimal pruning to maintain shape and size; water requirements are
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — or you can feature it as a focal point in a mixed border; shrub / tree for full
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — shrub / tree for full
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — then reduce frequency once the plant is established; it boasts clusters of fragrant
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — which are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — and these can add a burst of color
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — and these can add a burst of color; or you can feature it as a focal point in a mixed border
Portugal Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) — commonly referred to as Portugal Laurel
Photographs by 11 contributors

Related plants

20Th Century Pear (Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki') — Revered for its prolific white blooms in spring and lustrous green foliage

Tree

20Th Century Pear

Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki'

FullUSDA 4–8
Adelaide Hoodless Rose (Rosa 'Adelaide Hoodless') — The Rosa 'Adelaide Hoodless', commonly known as Adelaide Hoodless Rose, is a robust, winter-hardy shrub rose

Shrub

Adelaide Hoodless Rose

Rosa 'Adelaide Hoodless'

FullUSDA 5–9
Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus Montanus) — which are followed by distinctive feathery plumes that are the fruit

Shrub

Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus Montanus

FullUSDA 4–6
Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier Laevis) — These are relished by birds and can be used in jellies and pies; typically about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter

Shrub

Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier Laevis

FullUSDA 4–8
Alpine Lady'S-Mantle (Alchemilla Alpinia) — It features softly lobed, gray-green leaves with silvery undersides that create a striking ground cover; this plant

Ground cover

Alpine Lady'S-Mantle

Alchemilla Alpinia

HalfUSDA 4–7
Amanogawa Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus Serrulata 'Amanogawa') — which provide a powerful visual impact

Tree

Amanogawa Japanese Flowering Cherry

Prunus Serrulata 'Amanogawa'

FullUSDA 6–9