Portuguese Laurel is a popular hedging plant. It has luscious dark-green, pointed, glossy leaves on striking maroon stems when mature. Younger plants or those grown in shadier or cooler conditions may display lush green stems. The dense foliage provides ample nesting sites. It could be grown as a large evergreen shrub or small tree of spreading habit.

Small, fragrant white flowers in racemes are produced in early summer which are popular with bees and butterflies and hover flies. The flowers are followed by small, red fruits which are a favourite with birds. Suitable for normal, clay or chalk soils, full sun to full shade and inland or exposed sites. Expect a growth rate of 30-50cm per year and the height can easily be maintained at 1-5m.

Prunus Lusitanica can make beautiful topiary - usually a half standard (lollipop shape) and full standard trees, which are perfect above a wall or fence. They need a quick trim twice a year to keep them in perfect shape.