Prunus lusitanica 'Myrtifolia'
Portugal laurel 'Myrtifolia'
A neat, dense, rounded or conical, evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, shiny leaves and sprays of small, white flowers in early summer followed by dark purple berries
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Purple | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Leaves and fruit may be harmful if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade; even thrives on poor, shallow, chalky soils. Good for hedging
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8. Prune hedges in late spring or early summer
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf-mining moths
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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