Variegated Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica Variegata)

This is the colourful, variegated variety of the well known Portugal Laurel, Prunus lusitanica Variegata has similar elongated glossy evergreen leaves but with neat creamy white edging, the white is particularly conspicuous on the emerging new growth in late Spring and may take on hues of pink during colder weather. The young stems are burgundy red in colour which contasts with the white leaf colouration giving interest all year. Untrimmed shrubs will produce fragrant racemes of white flowers in early Summer followed by spherical red-black fruits that are always popular with birds.

This is a good looking shrub in all seasons, it would make a great evergreen hedge or specimen shrub and a very colourful topiary specimen as these bushy shrubs can be clipped into almost any shape.

Variegated Portuguese Laurel will grow in most conditions, they are also the only hedging Laurel species that does well in chalky soil. The only conditions to avoid are boggy and waterlogged (where our list of plants for wet sites may come in handy) Plant them in conditions of full sun to dense shade and they will steadily develop into a bushy conical shrub or hedge that will provide all year privacy and a haven for wildlife.

Laurel hedges and shrubs should be trimmed in early Autumn when growth has finished or early Spring before it starts. When planting the young shrubs we recommend adding Rootgrow to the planting holes to give them the best start.

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How to grow Variegated Portugal Laurel

Position: Sun or shade

Foliage: Evergreen, leaves are retained on the shrub or hedge all year round.

Soil and site: Any well drained soil, grows well in chalk.

Flowering time: May and June

Growth rate: moderate

Ultimate height and spread: 500cm high x 500cm wide.

Hardiness: Fully hardy.

Aftercare: Water regularly after planting and for the first season. Prune or trim in  Autumn or Spring.

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