Prunus lusitanica, the Portugal laurel, is a species of the genus Prunus, related to the cherry. It is native to southwestern France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Macaronesia. It is used as a superb hedging shrub.
Prunus lusitanica is a large evergreen shrub or small tree of spreading habit, the dark red shoots bearing deep green ovate leaves. Small, fragrant white flowers in racemes to 25cm in length in early summer, are followed by small, dark purple fruits. Ideal for hedges, it is also particularly well-suited to growing in pots or as a standalone. In a hedge, provide for enough space between specimens, about 3 feet (1 meter), so that your Prunus lusitanica can grow without suffocating.
