Prunus lusitanica subsp. azorica

RHS Plant Profile
Azores laurel
Azores laurel visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Prunus azorica

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

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.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Leaves harmful if eatenfruit edible if ripe, but may be harmful if bitter. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to laurel leaf disease