Prunus lusitanica

An indispensable evergreen shrub/tree to 25' with glorious dark-green leathery leaves on burgundy stems which can be very easily shaped and sheared into topiary, pruned as a specimen tree or used as a splendid hedging plant. We enjoy its lovely late-spring racemes of small hawthorn-scented flowers and the birds enjoy its cover and purple-red autumn fruit. A recipient of the esteemed 'Award of Garden Merit' from the Royal Horticulture Society. S/M

Portuguese laurel has stunning evergreen foliage in a deep hue unlike any of the other cherry laurels. With beautiful red contrasting stems, showy white flower clusters, and black, shiny berries, Portuguese laurel makes a statement. Not only is it gorgeous, it is easy to grow, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant once established. It grows well in hot, coastal climates.

The hardy Portuguese Cherry Laurel is a popular choice for those wanting a dense hedge that is relatively easy to maintain. Native to the Mediterranean region, this laurel excels in drier environments and those with sandier or clay-heavy soils. The shrub’s compact growth make it ideal for a privacy screen. There are a number of immediate benefits to choosing the Portuguese Cherry laurel for your next hedge: Quite drought tolerant and requires little or no irrigation Resistant to deer and many pests Attractive evergreen glossy leaves and red stems Fragrant spring flowers and fruit are a draw for bird populations Tolerant of a variety of soil types As it’s a fast growing shrub, and has a spreading habit with compact foliage, the Portuguese Cherry Laurel makes for a great privacy screen or windbreak. Tolerant of warm climates, drought and deer, the Portuguese Cherry Laurel is vibrant yet hardy. The shrub thrives in many different soils, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. The Portuguese Cherry Laurel is evergreen and looks vibrant throughout all seasons. The tiny clusters of cream-colored flowers that arrive in the spring are pleasantly fragrant and the namesake cherry-like fruit is beloved by a variety of local bird populations. With its pest resistance and adaptability to many different soil conditions, the Portuguese Cherry Laurel is easier to maintain than many other hedge varieties. Easy to maintain at 3-4’, it can easily grow up to 10 feet or higher for a tall hedge.

A large shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green foliage. Has white, fragrant flowers in later spring that are held on 10" long racemes. Is useful for screening and the birds love it. Growth Rate fast, 12"+ annually

Think gorgeous, small, evergreen tree to 10-20' tall and wide with shiny, dark green leaves. These are cherries, blooming in late spring in tall racemes of white, fragrant flowers. Purple-red berries ripen to black in autumn -- bitter so best left to birds. Can be grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub. Sun to part shade with normal summer water to establish. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.