Portuguese Laurel

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Portuguese laurel can form a dense evergreen hedge or a small tree. Because it can escape into Northwest woodland, avoid using it beside natural areas or stream corridors.

Where to plant

Allow a 10–20-foot spread unless regular hedge pruning is planned, and leave access for maintenance. Sun or partial shade is suitable; avoid sites where seedlings can spread unnoticed.

Through the seasons

Glossy evergreen leaves grow on reddish young stems. Fragrant white flowers appear in spring, followed by dark purple fruit.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This laurel has naturalized in Washington and Oregon and can displace woodland plants. Birds spread its seeds, so inspect nearby ground and remove seedlings before they become established.

Soil, drainage & water

Average, moist, well-drained soil is suitable. Water young plants through establishment and summer dry spells; established plants tolerate some drought, but drainage remains important during wet winters.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Prune as needed to maintain hedge size and access. Remove unwanted seedlings, and handle fruit-bearing cuttings carefully so garden waste does not spread seeds into nearby natural areas.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.