PRUNUS LUSITANICUS - THE PRESS PLANT OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER 2009

From Spain and Portugal, its species name is the old name for Portugal.  Prunus lusitanicus or Portugese laural has been gardened in England since the Elizabethan age.

This large, busy evergreen shrub has luxurious, pointed, glossy dark green leaves on bright red stems, which produce small, fragrant white flowers in summer.  From hedging, espaliering, pleaching and standardising, Prunus lusitanicus is excellent in providing structure and form in a garden.  Standardised and planted in a row with lavender at its feet, is a good look.  Or use it as a hedge, with the dark colouring of Euphorbia 'Tui' or the succulent Sedum 'Purple Emperor' planted in the forefront to enhance its colouring.  This is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and likes free draining soil.

Press Gardening has five Prunus lusitanicus plants to give away.  To enter the draw, write your name and address on the back of an envelope and send it to Prunus lusitanicus Giveaway, Press Gardening, PO Box 1005, Christchurch 8140, to reach us no later than noon on Wednesday 11 November.