Prunus lus. Angustifolia Topiary (Ball)

Prunus lus. Angustifolia Topiary

Prunus lus. Angustifolia topiary shapes  (more commonly called Portugal Laurel) are small leaved evergreen shrubs. The leaves are smaller than the straight Prunus lusitanica and are a polished dark green colour. having a small leaf means that it is very good for clipping and is perfect for making topiary balls and domes.  When clipped in to a ball or dome it forms a dense sharp edged shape that makes a stunning statement plant or focal point in any garden.

These small attractive leaves of Prunus lus. Angustifolia topiary are held on a reddish stem which does fade in colour as the plant becomes older. If left un-trimmed it can produce a white candle like flower in the late spring which is then followed by small black berries. If the plant is trimmed regularly it will not flower or set fruit as they will be trimmed off.  It is happy being grown on shallow chalk soils and is a good replacement for the Cherry Laurel in these situations.

Prunus lus. Angustifolia topiary shapes make a great substitute for Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis) looking very similar but being a lot more cold resistant.  Prunus lus. Angustifolia is sometimes called Prunus lus. Myrtifolia or Pyramidalis.  They were first recorded as being grown in this country in 1892.

When clipped regularly Prunus lus. Angustifolia topiary balls can produce a very tight dense shape which is as good as English Yew (Taxus baccata) or Common Box (Buxus sempervirens).

If allowed to grow un-trimmed they will naturally form a dense cone up to about 5 metres in height.