Prunus lusitanica Myrtifolia

The Prunus lusitanica Myrtifolia is a variety of naturally compact Portuguese Laurel, which forms a dense, well-shaped pyramid that will not need pruning. This small tree has beautiful shiny green foliage, decorative even in winter, and offers a pleasant spring flowering in elongated, frothy white clusters, whose scent attracts pollinators. This variety is ideal in well-drained, moist to dry, even limestone soil, planted in a free or pruned hedge, or shaped into topiary. Less hardy than its cousin the cherry laurel, it is also drought-tolerant and more ornamental.

The Portuguese Laurel, in Latin Prunus lusitanica, is a bush belonging to the rose family. It is native to Spain and Portugal, but naturalized in the southwest of our country, especially in the Basque Country.

The cultivar 'Myrtifolia' distinguishes itself with its reduced growth, denser habit, and narrower leaves. Reaching about 3m (9 ft 10 in) in height and 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in width at the age of 10, it shows fairly rapid growth. Its red branches bear elongated, toothed, evergreen leaves, 6 to 8cm (2.4 to 3.1 in) long, very shiny, dark green on top, lighter underneath. In May, it produces fragrant, nectar-rich, cup-shaped white flowers, grouped in narrow, pendant clusters, 15 to 20cm (5.9 to 7.9 in) long. The fruits consist of small oval berries, 8mm (0.3 in) in size, red turning dark purple and then black, highly toxic if ingested.

The Portuguese Laurel Myrtifolia requires deep and loose soil, especially in the warmer regions of our country. It thrives in oceanic climates but also adapts to the hotter regions of our country. It is often used as an evergreen hedge, pruned or unpruned, in combination with Photinias, Elaeagnus ebbingei, laurel-tin, or Cotoneaster, for example. It can also be placed as a standalone specimen and shaped into topiary.

Tip: Do not prune at the beginning of the season to fully enjoy the flowering.