Portuguese Laurel Tree
Prunus lusitanicaPortuguese laurel tree (Prunus lusitanica) when trained as a tree makes an excellent small lollipop tree which is ideal either as a formal evergreen shape that needs very little pruning or can be used as an evergreen screen above a fence or hedge. The tree has red-stalked glossy dark green leaves, and the plant has white flowers in June, followed by red, maturing to dark purple, berries (harmful if eaten). Hardier than P. laurocerasus and content even on shallow chalk soils.