Prunus lusitanica

Common Name: Portuguese Laurel

Description:
Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese Laurel, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its dense, glossy dark green foliage and elegant, upright growth habit. It produces fragrant white flower spikes in late spring to early summer, which attract bees and other pollinators, followed by small red berries that mature to black, providing food for birds. Thriving in Melbourne’s climate, Portuguese Laurel is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil types, as well as drought, frost, and coastal conditions once established. It is an excellent choice for formal hedging, screening, or as a feature plant. With its lush, compact growth, it responds well to pruning, making it a popular alternative to traditional hedge plants such as Photinia or Pittosporum.

Form:

• Shrub - Large
• Tree - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 4 - 6m (can be pruned smaller)
• Width: 3 - 5m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Spring
• Flowers in Early Summer

Flower Colour:

• White

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Screening
• Drought Tolerant once established
• Frost Tolerant
• Coastal Tolerant
• Wind Tolerant
• Low Maintenance
• Bird Attracting
• Bee Attracting

Toxicity:

• Leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds and are toxic if ingested in large quantities by humans or pets.

Companion Plants:

• Buxus microphylla (Japanese Box)
• Lavandula (Lavender)
• Rosa (Roses)
• Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)
• Salvia species