Prunus lusitanica 'Myrtifolia'

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 floweing 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.  Can also be grown as a conical tree or grown as topiary.

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

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: