Prunus lusitanica subsp. azorica
Azores laurel
A dense, bushy, evergreen shrub or tree to 8m tall, with large, red-stalked, glossy dark green leaves, reddish when young. In early summer it produces erect flowerspikes to 10cm long, composed of numerous cup-shaped white flowers. These are followed by spherical red fruits to 1cm across, which ripen to black.
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red Black | ||
| 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
- Seed kernels harmful if eaten, 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Azores
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
See pruning group 8
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to laurel leaf disease
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