Prunus Lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel Topiary Tree

Portuguese Laurel or Prunus Lusitanica is a fully hardy evergreen shrub which is highly adaptable and easily clipped into shapes making it a good choice for topiary designs. Often overlooked these days in favour of the more ubiquitous privets - this lovely tree was a favourite of the Victorians who used it to create Italianate gardens at many stately homes throughout the UK.
This Portuguese Laurel has been topiarised into a half standard shape.   See also full standard tree Its interest is in the dense elongated oval green leaves that appear on dark red stems, from the cherry family, slightly scented white flowers appear in early summer followed by red turning to black berries that are loved by birds. 
The Prunus Lusitanica is very easy to maintain - a couple of trims each year will keep it in shape. The Portuguese Laurel is also a wonderful evergreen hedging shrub.

Please read our blog on plants suitable for roof terraces.