Portugal laurel Prunus lusitanica
Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to Iberia, south-west France and Macaronesia. It grows 3–8 m (10–26 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Portugal laurel in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Portugal laurel at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 3–8 m (10–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Iberia, south-west France and Macaronesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Portugal laurel toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, seeds
Like other laurels, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Portugal laurel
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Portugal laurel
- How far apart should I plant Portugal laurel?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Portugal laurel need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Portugal laurel need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Portugal laurel?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Portugal laurel flower?
- From about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Portugal laurel poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Like other laurels, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- What grows well with Portugal laurel?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Flora iberica, Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC (Madrid)
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy evergreen for formal hedges and clipped standards; red leaf stalks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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