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About this product
Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' Ball
Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia'
45L pot • Ball form • Supplied approximately 95cm tall
Plant Highlights: Elegant clipped ball topiary • Small glossy evergreen leaves • Attractive burgundy young stems • Year-round architectural structure • Ideal for formal gardens and entrances
Overview
Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia', the narrow-leaved Portuguese Laurel, is a refined evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves carried on distinctive rich burgundy stems. Expertly clipped into a classic ball, it provides an elegant architectural feature that delivers year-round structure and colour.
Its naturally dense branching and excellent response to pruning make it one of the finest evergreens for topiary. Whether displayed in decorative containers, positioned beside an entrance or incorporated into formal planting schemes, this clipped specimen adds timeless style to both traditional and contemporary gardens.
Why We Love It
- Professionally clipped ball provides instant architectural interest.
- Small glossy evergreen leaves remain attractive throughout the year.
- Rich burgundy stems add subtle colour and contrast.
- Naturally dense growth responds exceptionally well to clipping.
- Ideal for formal gardens, courtyards and statement containers.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' |
| Common Name | Portuguese Laurel |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub trained as ball topiary |
| Foliage | Small, narrow, glossy dark green evergreen leaves |
| Flower | Upright clusters of small, fragrant white flowers |
| Flowering Period | Late spring to early summer |
| Fruit | Small dark berries may follow flowering but are primarily ornamental |
| Growth Habit | Dense, clipped ball-shaped topiary |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; adaptable to most soil types with good drainage |
| Mature Height | Overall size is maintained by regular clipping; the trained form remains compact |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 70–100cm, depending on pruning |
| Hardiness | Hardy in Irish gardens and well suited to Ireland's climate. |
Growing Guide
Position
Plant in full sun or partial shade. It performs well in sheltered and moderately exposed positions, making it suitable for a wide range of garden settings.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, especially if grown in a container.
Soil
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Fully hardy throughout Ireland. Apply an annual mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and improve soil condition, keeping mulch away from the stem.
Routine Care
Trim once or twice during the growing season to maintain the neat ball shape. Remove any damaged or misplaced shoots to preserve the dense, symmetrical form.
Perfect For
- Formal gardens.
- Entranceways and driveways.
- Patio pots and decorative containers.
- Courtyard gardens.
- Architectural evergreen planting.
Good to Know
The supplied height of approximately 95cm refers to the plant at the time of sale and not its mature size. Regular light trimming will keep the topiary dense and neatly rounded while encouraging healthy new growth with its attractive burgundy stems.
Product Information
- Botanical name: Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia'
- Trained as a ball topiary.
- Supplied in a 45L nursery pot.
- Supplied approximately 95cm tall.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 1.0m wide
- Flowering
- Late spring to early summer· White
- Foliage
- evergreen
Useful to know
Good for containers
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