Variegated Portuguese Laurel Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata' (v)
ABOUT
The Portuguese Laurel 'Variegata' is an ornamental plant known for its unique foliage. The leaves are glossy with an attractive green color and are notably edged with a creamy white variegation, which can add a striking contrast to any garden setting. This distinctive pattern on the leaves is where the plant gets the 'Variegata' part of its name, meaning varied in color. The leaves are oval-shaped and arranged in an alternate pattern along the stems. When this plant blooms, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that are arranged in attractive cone-shaped clusters. These blossoms can attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. Following the flowering period, the Portuguese Laurel 'Variegata' may produce small, berry-like fruits that have a dark, almost purple hue. These fruits can offer an additional point of interest in the landscape, although they may not be significant. Overall, the variegated Portuguese Laurel is prized for its two-tone foliage and neat appearance. It can serve as a focal point when planted individually or as part of a hedge or border due to its variegated leaves, which stand out amongst other green plants. The combination of its elegant leaves, the show of flowers, and the subsequent fruits make it a versatile and decorative choice for gardeners.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Variegated Portugal Laurel, Variegated Portuguese Laurel Cherry.
Common names
Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata'
ToxicityTo humans
Portuguese Laurel is the plant in question, and it is indeed toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide into the body when digested. Symptoms of poisoning can include difficulty breathing, weakness, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and even coma or death in severe cases. Care should be taken to ensure that no part of the plant, especially the seeds and leaves, is consumed.
To pets
Portuguese Laurel also poses a threat to pets due to its toxic nature. If pets ingest any part of the plant, they can suffer from poisoning. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to death. It is essential to keep pets away from this plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if there is any suspicion of ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Portugal
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata', commonly known as the Variegated Portuguese Laurel, offers striking variegated foliage that adds visual interest and contrast to garden settings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety of Portuguese Laurel is quite drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering compared to other ornamental plants.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth habit, it can be utilized as a natural screen, providing privacy and reducing noise from surroundings.
- Low Maintenance: It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning and care once it reaches its desired size and shape.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, and the berries can be a food source for birds, adding biodiversity to the area.
- Adaptable: This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining.
- Evergreen: Being evergreen, it retains its leaves throughout the year, ensuring continuous greenery and structure in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: It can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for planting in various light conditions in the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Variegated Portugal Laurel can be used in topiary because of its dense foliage and its ability to tolerate pruning, making it suitable for creating various ornamental shapes.
- In larger gardens or parks, Variegated Portugal Laurel hedges can be planted as a natural privacy screen due to their thick growing habit.
- This plant's wood is hard and fine-grained, it can be utilized in woodworking for small items such as tool handles and inlays.
- With its attractive foliage, Variegated Portugal Laurel branches are sometimes cut and used in floral arrangements as a long-lasting green accent.
- An extract from the leaves is often used as a base scent in perfumes due to the plant's rich, fragrant leaves.
- Bees are attracted to the flowers, so the plant can play a role in supporting local bee populations and hence assisting with pollination in the garden.
- The dense evergreen foliage can serve as a sound barrier, making it a good planting choice alongside busy roads or highways to reduce noise pollution.
- The plant’s fruits may be utilized in craftwork, such as making bird-safe, decorative wreaths for gardens.
- Dried branches of the Variegated Portugal Laurel can be used to create natural fencing or lattice work for climbing plants in the garden.
- Gardeners can use trimmed branch sections of Variegated Portugal Laurel as natural, biodegradable stakes for supporting other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Portuguese Laurel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Portuguese Laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternal Life: Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as Portugal Laurel, belongs to the Prunus family, which often symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings thanks to its perennial nature and the way it blooms each year.
- Peace: The laurel has historically been a symbol of peace and victory, a tradition that can be traced back to the laurel wreaths presented to victors in ancient Greek and Roman times.
- Protection: In some cultures, laurel trees, including the Portugal Laurel, are believed to have protective qualities, warding off evil and providing a shield against harm.
- Glory and Success: The glossy leaves of the Portugal Laurel can symbolize glory and success, mirroring the luster and prestige of accolades and accomplishments.
WaterThe Portuguese Laurel should be watered regularly but with care to not overwater. During the growing season, it's best to water deeply once a week, providing approximately 1-2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. During the winter or in cooler weather, reduce the frequency to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch a couple of inches deep. It's essential to avoid waterlogging, so ensure good drainage.
LightPortuguese Laurel prefers full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would provide morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, as too much direct sun during the hottest part of the day can scorch the leaves. They adapt well to different lighting conditions but will have the best variegation and healthiest growth with ample, but not excessive, light.
TemperaturePortuguese Laurel thrives in a range of temperatures but prefers 65°F to 80°F during the day. It can withstand brief periods of colder weather down to about 10°F but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures. Ideally, the plant should be positioned where it is sheltered from extreme cold winds to prevent damage to the leaves and blossoms.
PruningPrune Portuguese Laurel to control its size and shape, and to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can also prune after flowering if the plant blooms. Thinning out branches every couple of years encourages better airflow and reduces disease risk.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPortuguese Laurel 'Variegata' prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingPortuguese Laurel 'Variegata' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingPortuguese Laurel 'Variegata' thrives in average humidity levels but can tolerate a range; no special humidity requirements are necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moderate watering, and spacious pot.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cyclePrunus lusitanica 'Variegata', commonly known as variegated Portugal laurel, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a seedling. The seedling then enters the vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf production, root growth, and stem development. As it matures, it enters the juvenile phase, characterized by vigorous growth and the establishment of its distinct variegated leaf pattern. Transitioning to the adult phase, the Portugal laurel will start to flower and produce small, dark purple fruits after pollination, typically observed in early summer. Over time, the plant will reach a mature size and structure, where it can maintain itself through seasonal cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting for many years. The lifespan of Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata' can be quite long, with proper care allowing it to thrive for decades before eventually succumbing to age or environmental stress.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Portuguese Laurel, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is in late summer to early fall, when the growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. To propagate by cutting, a 4 to 6-inch segment is snipped from a healthy branch, ensuring that at least two sets of leaves are left on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried beneath the soil surface. The pot should be placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight and kept consistently moist until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks. After rooting is successful, the new plants can be transplanted outdoors in a suitable location.
