Introducing our Portuguese Laurel standard. Classic evergreen foliage, expertly crafted with a modern twist. A popular choice with Classic or Modern Classic Melbourne garden designs. Ideal for a stand alone feature tree or pruned topiary. Alternatively, plant closer together and let the luscious and dense foliage create a pleached evergreen screening hedge.

Product Specification

• Common Name: Portuguese Laurel
• Botanical Name: Prunus Lusitanica ‘Standards’
• Spacing: Plant 1 meter apart for a luscious screening hedge
• Uses: Evergreen screening, hedging, pleaching, privacy screen
• Foliage: Dark Green
• Flowering Period: Late spring, early summer, small white flowers followed by red berries
• Form/Habit: Dense and upright
• Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen
• Tolerates: Various soil types; psyllid-resistant
• Drought Hardy: Moderate
• Sun: Full Sun to Semi-Shade
• Soil: Most soil types, prefers well draining soil
• Planter Suitability: Yes, choose a planter with adequate room for growth
• Maintenance Level: Medium – enhanced shape with pruning
• Native: No

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I care for my Portuguese Laurel standards?

Choose a well-draining location with full to partial sunlight. Portuguese Laurel prefers fertile, moist soil but can tolerate a range of soil types. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between watering. Adequate water is crucial for newly planted standards and during hot, dry weather. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of the standard. Prune in late spring or early summer after the initial flush of growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the crown as needed.

When should I prune my Portuguese Laurels?

Perform the main pruning during late spring to early summer. This timing allows the tree to recover quickly and take advantage of the growing season for new growth. If you are shaping the crown of the Portuguese Laurel standard, do this during the late spring to early summer pruning session. Remove any unwanted branches to achieve the desired form.

How and when do I fertalise my Portuese Laurels?

Apply fertilizer in early spring, ideally before new growth starts. This timing allows the plants to benefit from the nutrients as they enter their active growing phase. Granular or slow-release fertilizers are often recommended for woody plants like Portuguese Laurels. These provide a steady release of nutrients over an extended period, promoting sustained growth. Water the area thoroughly after applying the fertilizer. This helps to ensure that the nutrients reach the root zone and are absorbed by the plant.

Love the look of Portuguese Laurels but not keen on a standard? Consider our regular Portuguese Laurels.