Prunus lusitanica

A large evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Iberian Peninsula, grown widely in temperate climates as a formal or informal hedge. Leaves are glossy, dark green, and slightly wavy-edged with reddish petioles — distinctive and attractive year-round. Long racemes of small white flowers appear in early summer and are fragrant; small dark berries follow in autumn.

Rated hardy to zone 7, though established plants on sheltered sites have survived zone 6b winters, particularly against south-facing walls. Overwintering in the greenhouse while young is prudent.

Received April 4, 2026 from Planting Partners (Etsy).

Care

Undemanding once established. Tolerates a wide range of soils as long as drainage is reasonable — roots will rot in prolonged wet. Drought-tolerant. Responds well to clipping; can be trained as a formal hedge, standard, or left to grow as a multi-stemmed specimen. In zone 6b, protection from desiccating winter wind is as important as cold tolerance — a sheltered microclimate against a wall or fence significantly improves survival odds.

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer for propagation.

Garden Notes