Portugal Laurel, Portuguese Laurel, Cherry Bay, Portuguese Laurel Cherry
Prunus lusitanica, or Portuguese Laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Iberian Peninsula. It features dark green, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers in late spring. The plant produces red to dark purple berries that attract birds. It is highly valued for its dense foliage, making it ideal for hedges and screens. Portuguese Laurel is drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soils, though it prefers well-draining conditions.
Despite its common name, Portuguese Laurel is not a true laurel like Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Instead, it belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is part of the genus Prunus, which also includes popular fruit trees such as apricots, cherries, peaches, and almonds.
Portuguese Laurel, is native to the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal and Spain, as well as Morocco and the Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira). It also occurs in southwestern France, specifically in regions like the French Basque Country
Portuguese Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree featuring a dense, rounded habit when grown as a shrub, but it can also be trained into a tree form with a more upright shape.
Portuguese Laurel typically grows 10-25 feet (3-7.5 m) tall if left unpruned, reaching up to 30 feet (9 m) under ideal conditions, with a spread of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m). It grows at a moderate rate, usually adding 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) per year.
Portuguese Laurel can live for 25-50 years, though some sources suggest it may live over 50 years with proper care and conditions
In late spring or early summer, Portuguese Laurel produces long, elegant racemes (clusters) measuring 6-10 inches (15-25 cm), covered with fragrant white flowers. These flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Following flowering, Portuguese Laurel produces small, berry-like drupes approximately 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter. Initially green or reddish-green, these fruits ripen to a dark purple-black in late summer or early autumn. They are not edible for humans due to their bitter aftertaste but are highly attractive to birds.
The glossy dark green leaves are alternate, oval-shaped, measuring 2.5-5 inches (7-15 cm) long, with finely toothed margins. The leaves retain their vibrant green color year-round.
The bark is smooth and dark grayish-brown on young plants, becoming rougher and darker with age.
Portuguese Laurel thrives in USDA zones 7-9, tolerating various climatic conditions but preferring moderate temperatures without severe extremes.
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and winner of the Gold Medal Award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Portuguese laurel offers wildlife benefits, making it a valuable addition to gardens and ecosystems. Here are some of its key contributions:
Shelter and Habitat: The dense foliage of Portuguese laurel provides essential shelter for birds and small mammals, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Food Source: The plant’s flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its berries serve as a vital food source for birds and other wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
Larval Host: Prunus lusitanica is a larval host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus), supporting the lifecycle of this species.
Portuguese laurel exhibits good drought tolerance once established. It is native to warm, dry coastal climates, which contributes to its ability to thrive in conditions with limited water availability.
All parts contain cyanogenic glycosides, making them toxic if ingested by humans, pets, or livestock. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, weakness, shock, and potentially fatal poisoning if large amounts are consumed. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you
This shrub is moderately resistant to deer and rabbits browsing.
In regions where it is introduced, such as parts of Australia and the United States, Portuguese Laurel can become invasive. It can naturalize and spread into dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, riparian vegetation, and other habitats, potentially displacing native species. Monitor local regulations and manage plantings accordingly.
Find where Portuguese Laurel is invasive in the U.S.
Portuguese Laurel is relatively pest-resistant, but it can occasionally experience infestations by common garden pests. Vigilance and early intervention can prevent serious damage.
Portuguese Laurel is generally robust but can suffer from a few fungal and bacterial diseases. Proper care, adequate spacing, and good air circulation significantly reduce risks.
Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
4 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
Spacing | 144" (3.7m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies, Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
7 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
4 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 10' - 30' (3m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
Spacing | 144" (3.7m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies, Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard |
How many Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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