Portuguese Laurel Hedge Ideas: Elegant Evergreen Screening for UK Gardens

When it comes to creating a classic, evergreen boundary in a UK garden, few plants are as versatile as the Portuguese laurel hedge. Known for its dense, dark green foliage and year-round coverage, Prunus lusitanica offers both privacy and structure, making it a favourite for homeowners and landscapers alike. Portuguese laurel can be shaped into formal hedges or allowed to grow more naturally and is widely valued as one of the most reliable evergreen shrubs for providing structure and wind protection in UK gardens. Its versatility makes it suitable for everything from boundary screening to creating structural focal points in large or small gardens.

Why Choose Portuguese Laurel?

Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is often preferred over common laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) because it grows more steadily and naturally forms dense, dark green foliage. This makes it ideal for evergreen privacy screens, formal hedges, or structural features in the garden.

Portuguese laurel is well suited to UK climates and can tolerate a wide range of soils, from clay to chalk, although it should be noted that it doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil. Its upright growth habit allows it to reach substantial heights without becoming untidy, providing a reliable screen for wind, noise, and garden boundaries, and is one of several laurel varieties commonly used for hedging.

Prunus lusitanica benefits include:

• Dense, year-round coverage that enhances privacy and security
• Deep-green foliage that provides a classic, elegant backdrop
• Flexibility to suit formal clipped hedges or relaxed, wildlife-friendly borders
• Tolerance to UK soil and climate conditions, reducing the need for intensive care
• Long-term reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for both homeowners and landscapers

Portuguese laurel is also low-maintenance compared to faster-growing hedges that require frequent trimming. Once established, it develops a rich, uniform appearance that improves with age, making it a lasting feature in any garden.

Planting and Spacing for a Successful Hedge

For a solid, healthy hedge, plant Portuguese laurel 45–60cm apart in a single row. This spacing encourages dense growth without overcrowding, which can lead to weak stems and sparse foliage.

Adequate spacing is essential for optimal air circulation and disease prevention, ensuring each plant has enough room to grow and remain healthy.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and incorporating organic matter such as garden compost or well-rotted manure. Portuguese laurel is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, chalky, and sandy soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth. This helps young roots establish quickly and promotes long-term vigour. Newly planted hedges should be watered thoroughly and regularly during the first summer, particularly during dry spells, to support strong root development.

When planting, ensure young Portuguese laurel are planted with the root ball intact, as this helps with establishment and encourages healthy root development.

The timing of planting plays an important role in ensuring your hedge establishes well and thrives for years to come. Choosing the right months can give your Portuguese laurel the best start and help it develop strong, dense growth.

Seasonal Planting Guide

October–December

This is the optimal window for planting Portuguese laurel. The soil is still warm from summer, and the higher soil temperature during this period supports rapid root establishment, while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on newly planted hedges. Planting in this period allows the roots to settle and develop before spring growth begins, giving your hedge a healthy head start.

January–March

Planting during these months is suitable for hardy stock, though growth will be slower until soil temperatures rise. Regular watering is essential if the weather is dry, and extra care should be taken to protect young plants from frost or prolonged cold. Despite slower above-ground growth, roots continue to develop steadily during winter.

April onwards

Planting from April requires caution and should only be undertaken using container grown stock, and not rootballed stock. Newly planted hedges may struggle with increased evaporation and fluctuating temperatures, which can affect root establishment. If planting later in the season, ensure consistent watering and consider temporary protection against harsh conditions. Careful attention will help young hedges thrive through the spring and summer.

Shaping Your Hedge: Formal or Relaxed

Portuguese laurel is prized for its flexibility in shaping. Formal hedges can be clipped annually to create crisp lines, making them ideal for structured garden layouts or property boundaries, typically reaching 1.5 to 2 metres in height.

Relaxed hedges are allowed to grow more naturally, with occasional pruning to maintain healthy growth. This style suits larger gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces, or borders where a softer, less rigid look is desired.

A hybrid approach is also possible: the lower portion can be clipped formally, while the upper canopy grows naturally, adding height, texture, and visual interest. This works well for screens behind flower borders, patios, or vegetable plots.

Caring for Your Hedge in the UK

Maintaining a Portuguese laurel hedge is straightforward but benefits from seasonal attention. Light pruning after flowering encourages dense growth, while avoiding cutting into old wood. Regular watering during dry periods is essential in the first few years to ensure healthy root development. Once established, Portuguese laurel is tolerant of typical UK weather and requires minimal intervention.

Feeding annually with a balanced fertiliser will keep the foliage lush and dark green. Watch for pests such as scale insects or fungal diseases like leaf spot; early intervention prevents small issues from affecting the overall hedge. Mulching around the base of the hedge helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots during colder months.

Portuguese laurel also responds well to occasional shaping during the growing season to maintain the desired form. A well-cared-for hedge will not only look elegant but also provide a secure habitat for birds and beneficial insects.

Explore Our Range

Portuguese laurel is a versatile and enduring choice, suitable for both formal boundaries and relaxed garden screens. Its evergreen foliage, manageable growth, and classic appearance make it ideal for UK gardens of all sizes.

At Mathias Nurseries, we have been growing high-quality hedging plants for over 60 years, combining traditional horticultural knowledge with modern growing techniques. Our experience ensures that every Portuguese laurel hedge is carefully cultivated to thrive in UK gardens, giving you a strong, healthy, and reliable screen for years to come.

Explore our full range of Portuguese laurel hedging to find the perfect fit for your garden, or get in touch with our expert team for advice.