Portuguese cherry laurel, Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica belongs to the rose family of plants. It is undemanding and forms a dense growth over time. As a heat-loving ornamental shrub, the Portuguese cherry laurel is extremely frost hardy and can withstand temperatures down to minus 20 °C. On the other hand, it also withstands extremely high temperatures and gets along well with short dry periods. The attractive flower clusters immerse the foliage of the Portuguese princess in a creamy white sea of ​​flowers. The hedge plant resembles the true laurel, but is nevertheless not related to it.

origin and appearance

As the name almost suggests, the Portuguese tree is native to the Azores and the Canary Islands, across the Iberian Peninsula to south-west France. There it looks for sunny locations in juniper forests and crater canyons. However, the pure wild form can be found almost nowhere today. The Mediterranean plant owes its name to the Roman province of Lusitanica (present-day Portugal).

Prunus lusitanica reaches a height of up to four meters in the home garden and takes up a space of up to two and a half meters in width. Depending on the location and pruning, the plant increases in size by 20 to 35 cm per year. The bushy and upright growing ornamental shrub shows its new shoots in a handsome shade of red. The glossy leaves are leathery, dark green, ovate acuminate and set with a showy red petiole. The creamy white flowers are erect and produce ovoid, dark red drupes. The plant is well suited as a hedge and can also be cultivated as a container plant.

Location

It does not take much effort to find the optimal location for the Mediterranean plant, as it is quite undemanding. Due to its origin, it is sun-drenched and therefore thrives best in a sunny to partially shaded spot. Although the Portuguese princess tolerates heat, it should be protected from the cool east wind.

substrate

This cherry laurel variety, which likes to show itself with countless small white flower clusters, also makes no special demands on the soil conditions. Basically, the plant prefers a loose and permeable soil. Such a soil ensures that no waterlogging can accumulate in the area of ​​the roots. Because waterlogging harms the well-being of the Prunus lusitanica in the long run. It is also an advantage if the tree is planted in sandy-clayey, gritty-loamy or sandy-loamy soil.

Pour

It has a positive effect on the appearance and growth of the Mediterranean beauty if it is watered less frequently, but penetratingly. Thorough watering encourages the plant's roots to reach deeper layers of soil and thus survive brief dry spells.

Fertilize

Basically, the Portuguese cherry laurel does not need to be fertilized. The ornamental shrub is well taken care of for the first time if manure, horn shavings or compost are introduced into the soil when planting. Furthermore, commercial liquid fertilizer can be used so that the shrub is sufficiently supplied with nutrients. Fertilization is stopped from August, otherwise too many new shoots will form, which will react sensitively to the coming cold.

hibernate

Although the Prunus lusitanica can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C, the root area should not only be covered with young plants. Fir branches and leaves are suitable for covering. An extra layer of mulch provides the Portuguese laurel with nutrients. Delicate little shrubs that are about to face their first winter will appreciate protection from branches. As an evergreen tree, the cherry laurel needs sufficient water even in winter. Otherwise it reacts with brown leaves after the winter months. However, watering is only done on frost-free days.

Cut

In principle, the Prunus lusitanica can be cut back all year round - except in the case of frost and on hot days in summer. Pruning is done after flowering. The shoots are shortened five to ten centimeters. This has the advantage that the plant thrives better and will be in full bloom next year. Of course, the shoot tips can also be trimmed in between. This creates more branches. Mechanical hedge trimmers are recommended for cutting. An electric hedge trimmer can leave brown edges on the leaves.

planting time

Roots, i.e. plants without balls, are best planted by the end of April. Autumn is also the perfect time to plant. Container goods can be placed in the ground all year round. In case of drought, ensure adequate watering. The planting hole should be twice the size of the ball. Horn shavings, manure or compost can be sprinkled in as slow-release fertiliser. No more than three plants are planted per meter in the ground. Finally water well.

diseases and pests

The most common diseases of cherry laurel are fungal diseases that severely affect the metabolism of the plant.

mildew

• mealy coating on the leaves
• growing leaves are misshapen
• Foliage turns yellow to brown
• trained foliage is usually not affected

shotgun disease

• small, bright spots in the leaf area
• red to brown spots on the leaves
• Disease also affects fruit, causing it to stun or crack open
• sometimes shoots are also affected

Measures

• Remove infested leaves and dispose of with household waste
• Use fungicide preparations
• possibly additional copper donations

Mealybugs, mealybugs, aphids and scale insects are also characteristic. A pruning can also be useful here. To combat the lice, a solution of soft soap enriched with a little alcohol is recommended. If this does not lead to a result, the trade has appropriate preparations ready.

frequently asked Questions

Worth knowing about the Portuguese cherry laurel shortly

Care

• The Portuguese cherry laurel has no special requirements when it comes to soil conditions, it is content with an ordinary garden soil.
• It likes a sunny or partially shaded location best.
• Because the plant originally comes from the Iberian Peninsula, the Azores and the Canary Islands, it also tolerates heat very well.
• In its homeland, however, the Portuguese cherry laurel is only rarely found in the wild.

Planting time and winter care

• The best planting time for root crops, i.e. plants without a ball of pots, is spring to the end of April.
• Plants in a container, on the other hand, can be planted all year round.
• In dry weather, however, care should be taken to ensure adequate watering.
• Although this cherry laurel is very hardy, new plants should still get winter protection in the first year.
• Young plants can also be somewhat sensitive to strong winter sun or cold winds.

Pruning of cherry laurel

• In principle, the Portuguese cherry laurel can be pruned all year round.
• The only exceptions to this are the times when it freezes and the summer months when it is very hot and dry.
• For gardeners, however, the time around St. John's Day on April 24 is particularly important. June is a popular time for a cut.
• In general, it is sufficient to shorten the shoots by about 5 to 10 cm once a year.
• However, the shoot tips can also be trimmed more often, because this creates more branches.

Conclusion

The Prunus lusitanica is well suited as a hedge plant because it grows up to two meters high and can grow up to 30 cm per year. It can also reach dimensions of up to one and a half meters in width. It forms many branches, so that the hedge becomes very dense and thus forms a good privacy screen. The more you cut, the denser the hedge will be. Depending on the size of the plants, two to three plants per running meter are needed for a hedge.

Learn more about shrubs and woody plants