PRUNUS lusitanica 'Myrtifolia'

Common name: narrow leaved Portuguese laurel

Family: Rosaceae

Origin: Portugal, Iberian Peninsula

Description: Rich evergreen neat leaves which are smaller than the species make this Portugese laurel very desirable for hedging and screens as well as growing as a background plant to help show off other flowering shrubs or even winter stems. This form has even darker leaves and is smaller and slower growing. This less vigorous habit makes it more suited for use in a smaller garden

Uses: Very good when used as a backcloth, as hedging and as smaller conical tree

Climate/Position: Can be grown in shade or sun, but prefers light shade

Height/Spread: 4 metres x 2.5 metres spread

Soil Requirements: Any moisture retentive soil that is not too wet in winter. Can tolerate dry shade

Pruning: Can be left unpruned to form evergreen shrub. However, responds well to trimming if shaping and size control required, also can be trimmed as a hedge in June

Special Requirements: Plant 45-60 cm apart if being used as hedging

Additional Interest: Awarded RHS AGM