Portuguese Laurel Pleached Tree (Prunus Lusitanica)

Portuguese Laurel Pleached Tree Description

The Portuguese laurel pleached tree is a striking and versatile addition to any garden or landscape. Known for its lush, glossy evergreen foliage, this tree is often trained into a pleached form, where branches are artfully woven together to create a formal, structured appearance. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped, providing a rich backdrop throughout the year. In late spring to early summer, the tree produces small, fragrant clusters of white flowers, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Pruning Advice

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of the pleached Portuguese laurel. Here are some key points to consider:

Timing: The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This helps to promote fresh foliage and encourages flowering.

Method: Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease. For pleached trees, maintain the structure by trimming lateral shoots to retain the desired form. Ensure that the pleached frame is kept neat, and be careful not to over-prune, which can lead to an unbalanced appearance.

Annual Maintenance: Regularly check for pests or signs of disease, and adjust your pruning schedule as necessary. Light trimming after flowering can also encourage bushier growth and maintain a tidy appearance.

Further Information

Privacy and Screening: The dense foliage of the Portuguese laurel makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or hedges. Its height and thickness can effectively block unwanted views and noise, enhancing the intimacy of outdoor spaces.

Year-Round Interest: As an evergreen, the Portuguese laurel maintains its vibrant foliage throughout the seasons, providing consistent colour and structure in the garden. The seasonal display of fragrant white flowers adds an extra layer of beauty in spring.

Low Maintenance: Once established, the Portuguese laurel is relatively easy to care for. It is adaptable to various soil types and conditions, making it a resilient choice for different environments. Its drought tolerance once established also reduces the need for frequent watering.

Wildlife Friendly: The flowers are beneficial for pollinators, and while the small purple berries that follow are not commonly consumed by wildlife, they can still provide some interest.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.