Standard specimens

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia', commonly known as the Portuguese Laurel, is a striking evergreen tree often grown as a standard specimen. This cultivar is prized for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves that offer a refined and elegant aesthetic to any garden or landscape. The foliage is a glossy dark green, providing a beautiful contrast to the reddish-brown stems and petioles. In spring, it produces small, fragrant white flowers arranged in racemes, which are followed by dark purple to black drupes that attract birds.

When grown as a standard specimen, Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' typically reaches a mature height of about 4 to 6 meters, with a spread of approximately 3 to 4 meters. It has a dense, bushy habit that makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or as a focal point in a landscape design. The tree is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained.

Portuguese Laurel prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best in areas where it can receive at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day. It is also quite hardy and can withstand urban pollution, making it suitable for city gardens as well. Additionally, it has good drought tolerance once established and can handle salt-laden winds, making it versatile for coastal plantings. Overall, Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is a robust and attractive choice for gardeners seeking a versatile evergreen tree with year-round interest.

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Portuguese Laurel [standard]
• Botanical Name: PRUNUS lusitanica 'Angustifolia'
• Mature height: 4-6m
• Key Features:
  • Standard
  • Evergreen
  • Screening Tree
  • Attractive foliage