Portuguese Laurel
Portuguese laurel, also known as Prunuslusitanica, is an attractive evergreen plant that forms a thick hedge.
It has a dark green color which gives it a classic and luxe look. Its leaves are smaller in size when compared to those of Cherry laurel.
The young shoots of Portuguese Laurel contrast perfectly against the dark green leaves. The shrub produces small, fragrant flowers on longer slim racemes in June. The flowers, which usually change to berries, attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
However, the berries and leaves of Portuguese laurel are poisonous to animals and human. So, you need to be careful when cultivating them.
Care for Portuguese laurel
Watering-Young Portuguese laurels don’t need watering except during initial planting and in late fall before the ground starts freezing for the winter. Established old laurels need watering during the drought season only. When rain becomes scarce, water the plants every week for 30 minutes each time. Water the soil under each plant down to 25cm. Use a layer of organic mulch over the roots to slow down evaporation from the soil.
Mulching-Add 12 to 17cm of organic material on the soil over the roots of the Portuguese laurel to protect them. It helps to retain moisture, protects the plant from injury and discourages weeds. Use shredded bark, wood chips or chopped leaves.