Origin
The Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia', also known as the Portuguese laurel, originally hails from Portugal and the western regions of Spain and Morocco. The plant, which is part of the rose family (Rosaceae), has been introduced and cultivated in various parts of the world, including Western Europe and North America.

Characteristics
The Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is characterised by its narrow, dark green, shiny leaves and its compact growth habit. In spring, the plant produces clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers, followed by dark purple to black berries in the autumn. The plant can reach a height of 2 to 6 meters, depending upon the growth conditions. The Portuguese laurel is a popular choice for hedges and privacy screens because of its dense foliage and rapid growth.

Care
The Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' prefers well-draining soil and a sunny to semi-shaded location. The plant is reasonably drought tolerant once established, but for the best growth and bloom, regular watering is recommended. It is important to prune the plant back in the spring to promote dense and bushy growth. Although the Portuguese laurel can tolerate some frost, protection against severe cold during the winter is advised.