Evergreen plants are much more than just traditional Thuja, Juniperus, or Picea
Among the evergreen plants that are perfect for a hedge, we have Prunus laurocerasus (Laurels) and Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel).
How are they different?
Prunus lusitanica grows up to several meters in height but has a narrower habit than Prunus laurocerasus. They also have a different leaf shape – Portuguese Laurel has usually narrow and long, while Laurels has usually more rounded (there are exceptions). Among P. laurocerasus, we have more choice when it comes to the strength of growth, as there are taller and lower growing varieties available.
Where to plant?
Both types can be planted in gardens and urban greenery, preferably in shaded places or even in full shade. They prefer fertile and rather moist soil. They’re quite sensitive to icy winter winds, so better choose a sheltered place. Laurels can be planted in most parts of Europe. On the one hand, there are varieties on the market resistant to -28°C, and on the other, the climate is getting milder, and less and less often we are dealing with very cold winters.
Our customers from Poland buy our laurel seedlings more and more often because their customers show more and more interest in these plants. They are looking for plants that will protect their privacy all year round and will not be traditional conifers. That is why they are looking more and more towards laurel.
Features of laurel that make it attractive:
- leaves – evergreen, strong, thick, leathery in varied shapes: round, elongated, large and small, with smooth, slightly wavy, and serrated edges
- young growths are orange, reddish, or aquamarine depending on the variety
- pretty, white flowers gathered in vertical inflorescences, attractive to insects
- small, round black fruits
- a variety of available varieties – from vigorously growing, perfect for tall hedges or as solitary, to smaller ones that work well as higher ground cover plants
- excellent pruning and forming tolerance
- high health.
Let’s look at some of the varieties:
| leaves | max size | |
| Prunus laurocerasus | ||
| ‘Caucasica’ | dark green | 250-300 cm |
| ‘Chamaeleon’® | green, brownish young leaves | 250 cm |
| ‘Elly’PBR | dark green, oval | 250-300 cm |
| ‘Etna’PBR | green, reddish young shoots | 150 cm |
| ‘Genolia’PBR | green | 250-350 cm |
| ‘Greentorch’® | dark green | 200 cm |
| ‘Herbergii’ | elliptical, dark green | 150 cm |
| ‘Novita’ | dark green, big, 12-15 cm long | 250 cm |
| ‘Otto Luyken’ | dark green | 100 cm |
| ‘Polster’ | dark green | 60-80 cm |
| Sofia (‘Zsofi’ PBR) | green, narrow, serrated | 150 cm |
| Prunus lusitanica | ||
| ‘Angustifolia’ | elliptical, dark green | 200-250 cm |
