Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata'

Also Known As

Variegated Portuguese Laurel

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 10'-20'
W: 10'-20'

planting zones

7a-10b

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Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata' plant details

Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata' is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green, pink, variegated and white foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by black and purple fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata'

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, pink, variegated and white
Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 10 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Prunus lusitanica 'Variegata'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low

Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A very useful garden accent and an enduring evergreen in a variegated form, the shiny green foliage splashed cream with pink winter highlights. Reddish purple new shoots add to the excitement. Early summer flowers are white and fragrant, producing red fruit that ripens to black. Slow growing, eventually reaching 12 ft or so, this large shrub can easily be pruned to tree form or used as a hedge. Does well in sun to part shade and prefers regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.

By: Cistus Nursery

The glossy grey-green leaves of this handsome 5-8' hedge or accent plant are beautifully edged with cream and take on pink cast in winter, accenting delightful purple stems. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Portugese Laurel is rather common, but I still think of it as a useful and (when not pruned into a square) appealing plant. It's drought tolerant, evergreen, and well adapted to the Northwest. Eventually it grows into a tree. The only think I'm not so thrilled with is how its dark, glossy leaves really look somber under the cloudy skies of winter. So here we have a variegated form, which ought to make a splendid small evergreen tree to brighten up your garden year-round. Hardy to at least 0 °F.

By: The Desert Northwest

We have had this variegated laurel for many years, but for whatever reason we always foget to take cuttings. P. lusitanica 'Variegata' has deep green evergreen leaves with a harrow margin of white and pink.