Portuguese Laurel has a classical quality to it, similarlto Bay Laurel, that makes it ideal for formal situations. This evergreen hedging plant has small, fragrant white flowers (loved by bees and butterflies) in the summer and small red fruits (incredibly popular with birds), turning black, in autumn. Prunus lusitanica Angustifolia is easy to grow in all soils and situations (including dry shade although it will need to be kept moist and fed until established) and is a particularly good choice for chalk soils (avoid coastal positions).

Portuguese Laurel is very hardy (even hardier than Cherry Laurel), although some wind protection is advised in areas where windburn could pose a problem. This species has a medium growth rate so it is quite easy to maintain and shape and should only need one trim per year in late Summer although if you want it to it will grow very tall.

Like other Laurel varieties (other than Bay Laurel), the leaves and berries are harmful if eaten. Portuguese Laurel is a popular variety of Laurel hedging.