Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel
Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel has all the desirable properties of Cherry Laurel but has a smaller, pointed leaf.
Fast growing, tolerant and easy to grow it is a superb choice if you need a solid screen. It responds well to clipping and if desired, it is possible to achieve a very tight, formal hedge, more so than the Cherry Laurel - Prunus laurocerasus.
It does produce flowers and berries although these are quite insignificant as the main attraction is the large, dark green glossy leaves.
Its good tolerance of shade also makes it suitable for planting in open areas of woodland or on edges if shelter or cover is required.
3 plants per linear metre in a single row is normally sufficient to create a dense screen in time.