Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
FoliageOvate leaves year-round (evergreen)
FlowersSmall fragrant white flowers in racemes.
PositionFull sun to part shade, including exposed sites
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Pleached Portuguese Laurel Angustifolia is a stunning evergreen tree that is fantastic in pleached form due to its bushy habit. The elongated, ovate leaves grow from deep-red shoots and small, fragrant white flowers bloom in summer. These grow in racemes that can reach up to 25 cm in length, creating a stunning display. Following the blooms, small dark purple fruits appear, which are highly favored by birds. This plant has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit and is recognized by RHS Plants for Pollinators, making it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance garden that attracts wildlife.
Laurel ‘Angustifolia’ prefers full sun or partial shade in a exposed or sheltered environment. It grows best in any moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It has excellent drought resistance. This pleached tree has been trained and pruned to form a specific shape and appearance.
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
