Prunus Lusitanica Angustifolia Hedging

Prunus Lusitanica Angustifolia is a wide bushy evergreen shrub. Commonly known as the narrow leaf Portuguese Laurel or Portugal Laurel and also as Prunus Lusitanica Myrtifolia. The variety of Laurel is very similar to the Prunus Lusitanica but it has slightly narrower longer slimmer leaves which are a darker green and has a more compact growth habit. It also sports new stems that are a striking red in colour.Prunus Lusitanica Myrtifolia is a very useful plant to have as a hedge or as an ornamental shrub. These particular Portugal Laurel specimens are ideal for use as a dense evergreen hedge, having already a nice, bushy shape. 

Providing year round interest, the evergreen Portugal Laurel Angustifolia has beautiful white/cream, fragrant flowers in summer (around June to August) followed by cherry-like fruits that are loved by birds. Prunus Lusitanica Myrtifolia is very hardy, despite the fact that it originally came to Britain from Portugal, which is why it is known as the Portuguese Laurel. Down through the years, Angustifolia has proved itself to be very hardy indeed – in fact more hardy than its larger leafed cousin the Cherry Laurel. This is handy to know if you live in the Northern part United Kingdom. 
Eminently clippable, Myrtifolia sometimes called Angustifolia is fast becoming very popular as a hedging plant . As a hedge you can keep it clipped to your preferred height but it is capable of reaching lofty heights of 5 metres.  Prunus Lusitanica Angustifolia can be trimmed very easily and is often used in topiary - as half standard trees or full standard trees. 

The main use of Prunus Lusitanica Myrtifolia is as a formal hedge. It forms dense compact cover with the additional bonus of coloured flowers and fruits. If you have a wildlife-friendly garden Portuguese laurel creates the perfect habitat for birds, pollinators and eventually hedgehogs and other small mammals that will nest beneath it. If you have an area that needs protection from winds, for example a seating area, a vegetable garden or delicate flower border, Portuguese laurel provides an attractive yet tough form of defense from cold gusty winds. Your Prunus Lusitanica Angustifolia will need just one prune a year once it’s reached your desired height. It appreciates an annual mulch around its roots to encourage healthy growth and young plants need water in the dry spells.