Portuguese Laurel Prunus lusitanica
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Portugal laurel features deep green, glossy leaves that are pointed at the tip and arranged in a dense, attractive formation along the stems. These leaves typically have slightly waved edges, contributing to the plant's lush and textured appearance. During the summer months, the Portugal laurel produces small, fragrant white flowers that are arranged in conical clusters known as racemes, which can add a visually striking aspect to the plant and attract a variety of pollinators. Following the flowering period, the plant bears small, dark purple to black berries that are favored by birds. Overall, the Portugal laurel presents a polished and refined look that makes it popular for use in hedges and ornamental landscaping.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Portugal Laurel, Portuguese Laurel Cherry, Portugal Laurel.
Common names
Prunus lusitanica var. lusitanica, Cerasus lusitanica, Laurocerasus lusitanica, Padus lusitanica, Prunus lusitanica var. azorica.
ToxicityTo humans
Portugal Laurel, also known by its scientific name Prunus lusitanica, contains hydrogen cyanide, particularly in its leaves and seeds. Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, an essential enzyme in cellular respiration, which can lead to symptoms such as respiratory distress, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and at high enough doses, can be fatal. Ingesting parts of Portugal Laurel can cause poisoning, and care should be taken to avoid consuming any portion of this plant.
To pets
Portugal Laurel is toxic to pets due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide in its leaves and seeds. The symptoms of poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans and can include difficulty breathing, panting, dilated pupils, and red gums, as well as potential shock and collapse. In severe cases, ingestion of Portugal Laurel parts can be lethal to pets, and therefore they should be prevented from chewing on or consuming the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Southwest Europe, Northwest Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portugal laurel, is widely appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, with deep green, glossy leaves and white flowers that can enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Privacy screening: The dense, evergreen foliage of the Portugal laurel makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or hedges in residential and commercial properties.
- Noise reduction: Portugal laurel can also help to dampen noise when planted in rows along busy streets or in areas where sound mitigation is desired.
- Windbreak: Its thick growth habit can act as a windbreak, providing shelter from prevailing winds for other plants, as well as outdoor living spaces.
- Shade provider: Portugal laurel can grow into a medium-sized tree providing ample shade in gardens or patios.
- Wildlife habitat: The flowers of the Portugal laurel attract pollinators like bees, while the small, dark fruits can be a food source for birds.
- Low maintenance: Once established, Portugal laurel requires relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those looking for plants that do not demand ongoing extensive care.
- Drought tolerance: After becoming established, it exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, which can be beneficial in areas with water restrictions or in xeriscaping designs.
- Versatility: It can be used in various landscape designs, from formal to naturalistic settings, showing its versatility in different garden styles.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Prunus lusitanica contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: The plant may have antioxidant properties due to the presence of certain phenolic compounds.
- Astringent: Traditionally, it has been used for its astringent properties to help with skin conditions and diarrhea.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portugal laurel, can be utilized as a privacy hedge due to its dense foliage, and its ability to be trimmed to a desired shape and size.
- The wood of the Portugal laurel is hard and fine-grained, making it suitable for turning and woodworking to produce small objects like tool handles and craft items.
- The deep green, glossy leaves of the Portugal laurel make it an attractive choice for topiary, where it can be shaped into various formal designs and structures.
- Because of its hardiness and resistance to wind, Portugal laurel can be planted as a windbreak in gardens and agricultural lands to protect other plants.
- The dense canopy of Portugal laurel provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
- The berries of Portugal laurel are sometimes used in floral arrangements and wreaths for their decorative appearance, although they are toxic and should not be ingested.
- Portugal laurel can serve as a natural screen to mask unsightly structures like walls, fences, and utility boxes in landscaping projects.
- In eco-friendly garden designs, Portugal laurel may be used as a natural alternative to fencing material, contributing to a greener environment.
- The leaves and berries of Portugal laurel sometimes play a role in traditional customs and decorations, particularly around religious celebrations in some cultures.
- As an evergreen plant, Portugal laurel can provide year-round color and texture to gardens, contrasting nicely with deciduous plants and seasonal blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portugal Laurel, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Portugal Laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternity: The Prunus lusitanica, also known as the Portugal laurel, is an evergreen plant which often symbolizes eternal life or immortality due to its year-round green leaves.
- Protection: In some cultures, evergreen plants like the Portugal laurel are believed to ward off evil spirits, so they are symbolic of protection.
- Glory and Achievement: The laurel family has been historically associated with victory and renown, as laurel wreaths were used to crown victors in ancient times. This association can extend to the Portugal laurel, signaling honor and triumph.
- Peace: The Portugal laurel's smooth, glossy leaves can evoke a sense of calm and peace, often used to symbolize tranquility and quietness.
WaterThe Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) should be watered deeply to ensure the root system is thoroughly moistened, generally once a week. During the growing season, and especially in dry periods, you might need to water it twice a week, but always check the soil moisture before watering. For established plants, about 1-2 gallons of water per week is usually adequate. Younger trees or new plantings may require watering more frequently to establish a strong root system. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent overwatering and root rot.
LightPortugal laurel prefers full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is an area where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, although it can tolerate light shade. Avoid deep shade as it may lead to sparse foliage and weaker growth. If you're planting a hedge, make sure the plants receive uniform light to grow evenly.
TemperaturePortugal laurel thrives in temperatures between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth, keep it in its ideal temperature range. Make sure to protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or cover during winter months if temperatures drop to the lower end of its survival range.
PruningPruning the Portugal laurel is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. For hedges, prune twice a year to keep a tidy appearance. When pruning, make sure to use clean, sharp tools and cut at an angle to prevent water accumulation and potential disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPortugal Laurel prefers well-draining loamy soil, with a pH between 5.0 to 7.5. For an ideal soil mix, combine garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand for enhanced drainage.
RepottingPortugal Laurel should be repotted every two to three years to ensure it has enough room for growth and to refresh the soil mix.
Humidity & MistingPortugal Laurel thrives in moderate humidity levels, but it is adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions as long as the soil moisture is appropriate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright indirect light, moist soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cyclePortuguese Laurel, or Prunus lusitanica, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-draining soil ideally during spring. The seedling stage follows, where the plant develops its first true leaves and begins to establish a root system. As the plant grows into a young sapling, it develops a woody stem and a more extensive root system, along with characteristic glossy green leaves. Once mature, the Portuguese Laurel reaches the reproductive stage, producing fragrant white flowers in late spring or early summer, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small, dark purple fruits by autumn, which are often eaten by birds, aiding in seed dispersal. The cycle continues as these seeds are deposited in new locations, allowing for the growth of new plants and the perpetuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Portuguese laurel can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings predominantly in the summer when the plant’s growth is most active and the wood has partially matured. A cutting, typically between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken, choosing a healthy, disease-free branch. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a bright area out of direct sunlight. High humidity and consistent moisture are maintained to support root development, often by placing a plastic bag or a propagator over the cutting to create a greenhouse effect. It generally takes several weeks for roots to form, after which the Portuguese laurel can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
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