Formal Courtyard / Entertaining Area

Formal Courtyard / Entertaining Area

 

This combination is one of my all time favourites - perfect for an entertaining area. 

 

Prunus lusitanica standards are an essential addition to any formal garden, better known as Protuguese laurels. These topiary-style plants are incredibly hardy and, if trimmed and maintained well, will add a touch of class to any property. Plant these at 1.5m-2.5m spacing in the middle of the garden bed and under-plant with Viburnum Davidii. Davidii are a stunning plant that have leathery, lush green foliage and discreet white flowers come springtime. They are incredibly hardy and look stunning when planted with the strappy foliage of Agapanthus Finn. Agapanthus Finn are a small white Agapanthus and - best of all - sterile, meaning the age-old problem of self-seeding plants will not occur. The tall white flowers will add the ‘wow’ factor to this combination, and work harmoniously with the Viburnum and structure provided by the Portuguese laurels. A twice-yearly trim to shape the Prunus lusitanica, and dead-heading of the Agapanthus once flowering and finished come the first frosts make this formal combination simple and easy to maintain, while keeping the class and sophistication to impress all visitors.

Width required: Courtyard/Entertaining Area

 

Plant spacing:

Prunus lusitanica standard - 1.5m (depending on the desired mature size) 

Agapanthus Finn - 1m 

Allium Purple - 1m

 

Foliage Colour: Green

Flower Colour: White / Purple

 

Uses:

Formal courtyard / entertaining area

Plants in this Palette

Buxus sempervirens - Topiary
Agapanthus Finn
Prunus lusitanica
Buxus sempervirens - Topiary
Buxus sempervirens - Topiary

(English box). Bushy evergreen shrub with lush green foliage. Making this a must for hedging in a formal garden. These topiary plants have a clear stem of 50cm and a head diameter of 22cm.

Agapanthus Finn
Agapanthus Finn

Agapanthus Finn has pure white flowers that bloom for months on end and sit atop mid-green, strappy leaves. Ideal to use as a cut flower.  Grow in containers, general borders, banks, mass plantings and rockeries. Position in full sun. Evergreen. Hardy. Low fertility meaning low risk of spreading into the natural environment. 35cm x 35cm.

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Prunus lusitanica
Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese laurel, is a lush, evergreen shrub known for its deep green, glossy leaves and delicate white flower clusters. This plant offers a classic elegance to any garden space, making it a favourite for creating structured designs like hedges and privacy screens.

In the garden, Prunus lusitanica is highly versatile. It can be used as a standalone feature plant, providing a dense and compact form, or it can be clipped into formal shapes, making it ideal for topiary or hedging. Its ability to withstand regular pruning allows gardeners to maintain a neat, tidy appearance year-round. The Portuguese laurel thrives in a variety of garden styles, from formal to woodland settings, and its dense foliage provides excellent shelter for wildlife.

Preferring a position in full sun to partial shade, Prunus lusitanica adapts well to most soil types, provided they are well-draining. It appreciates moist, but not waterlogged, conditions, ensuring healthy growth and the development of its small, fragrant white flowers that appear in early summer.

When planting Prunus lusitanica, spacing should be considered based on its intended use; for a thick hedge, plants should be spaced approximately 60-90cm apart. For individual specimens, allowing more room for growth will enable the shrub to form a naturally rounded shape.

Mature Prunus lusitanica can reach up to 4-6m in height and 2-4 m in width if not trimmed, making it an impressive addition to the landscape with its robust size and elegant appearance.

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