The Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is closely related to the closely related cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). The evergreen ornamental shrub grows in almost any garden soil and is particularly easy to cut. You can find out what else you should consider when it comes to care in the article below.
How do you properly care for the Portuguese laurel cherry?
The care of the Portuguese laurel cherry includes a well-drained and sunny to partially shaded location, rare but penetrating watering, organic fertilizer when planting out and in spring, pruning in spring or early autumn and winter protection for young plants. Be careful: the plant is poisonous!
In which location does the Portuguese laurel cherry feel particularly at home?
No matter whether it is dry or fresh, slightly basic to alkaline, Prunus lusitanica thrives in almost any normal garden soil. The substrate should only be well-drained and loose, because the bushy growing shrub does not tolerate waterlogging. The Portuguese laurel cherry also needs a sunny to partially shaded, warm and protected location.
Can the Portuguese laurel cherry be grown in a pot?
The undemanding Prunus lusitanica can be cultivated very well in a sufficiently large container on the balcony or terrace.
What is the water requirement of the Portuguese laurel cherry?
Water Prunus lusitanica rarely, but thoroughly. The right time has come when the surface of the earth has already dried out.
When and with what should the Portuguese cherry laurel be fertilized?
It is sufficient to provide the Portuguese cherry laurel with organic fertilizer when planting it out and at the beginning of the growing season. Potted laurel is fertilized with liquid complete fertilizer until around the beginning of August.
When does the Portuguese cherry laurel bloom?
The white flowers appear in June.
Can you cut the Portuguese laurel cherry?
Prunus lusitanica is very tolerant of pruning and is best cut in spring or early autumn. Traditionally, gardeners like to prune around June 24th, St. John's Day.
How is the Portuguese laurel cherry propagated?
The Portuguese cherry laurel is best propagated by cuttings that are cut in early autumn (September). Before finally planting out, the young bushes are cultivated in pots for one or two years.
Is the Portuguese cherry laurel susceptible to certain diseases or pests?
The hardy Portuguese cherry laurel is sometimes affected by powdery mildew (both powdery and downy mildew) and shotgun disease. In both cases, the only thing that helps is to remove infected leaves and dispose of them with household waste (never compost!) and to fertilize the plant specifically with copper (€23.00 on Amazon).
Is the Portuguese cherry laurel hardy?
The Portuguese laurel cherry is considered to be very hardy, but as it is still a very sensitive young plant, it should be provided with winter protection.
Tip
All parts of the Portuguese laurel cherry (Prunus lusitanica) are highly poisonous, which is why you should wear gloves, especially when cutting.