Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
FoliageGreen leaves year-round (evergreen)
PositionFull sun to part shade, including exposed sites
Description
Portuguese Laurel is a hardy, evergreen hedging plant with the glossy, dark green foliage making a brilliant foil for other plants. Dark red new shoots, fragrant racemes of creamy white flowers in April-May and red fruits that turn to black all create further interest.
This useful evergreen hedge plant will tolerate most soil types that are well-drained, including chalky soils when planted in full sun or partial shade. Exposure and heavier shade can be tolerated.
AKA Portuguese Laurel
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.
