| Name |
Topiary
- Prunus
Lusitanica (Half Standard) |
| Cultivation |
Succeeds
on all soil types, though it prefers a well-drained moisture-retentive
loamy soil. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic
if too much lime is present. Thrives on chalk according to other reports.
Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Hardy to about
-20°c. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce
suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants are susceptible to silver leaf
disease. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
The flowers are pleasantly scented. Any trimming is best done with secateurs
in August. Plants are very tolerant of pruning. For a good hedge trim
in June/July. For hedges 4-10ft (1.2-3m), plant 18-24ins (45-60cm) apart. |
| Family |
Rosaceae |
| Genus |
Prunus |
| Synonyms |
Laurocerasus
lusitanica
Padus lusitanica |
| Known
Hazards |
Although
no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus
where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a
poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found
mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste.
It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very
bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen
cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it
is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess,
however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. |
| Range |
Range
W. Europe - S.W. France, Spain and Portugal. Occasionally naturalized in
Britain |
| Height |
Ultimate
Height: 15ft (4.6m)
Hedge Height: 4-10ft (1.2-3m)
Av. Growth/Year: 9ins (25cm)
|
| Habitat |
Habitat
Forests in the mountains of the Iberian peninsula.
Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;
Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position.
Hardy to about -20°c. |
| Characteristics |
A
very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties selected for their
ornamental value. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their Award
of Garden Merit (AGM). Useful dense evergreen with pointed dark green glossy
leaves on red stems. White, scented flowers appear in June in long slender
racemes, followed by small red fruits which turn black in winter. Prefers
medium to light shade but tolerant of deep shade and full sunlight. Any
soil including shallow chalk. Grows well in a woodland. Most members of
this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are
damaged. Plants are susceptible to silver leaf disease. The flowers are
very pleasantly scented. Any trimming is best done with secateurs in August.
Plants are very tolerant of pruning. |
| Edible
Uses |
Edible
Parts: Fruit; Seed.
The fruit is probably edible when fully ripe but should not be eaten if
it is bitter because this bitterness is caused by the presence of toxic
compounds, see the notes above on toxicity. The fruit is about 8mm in
diameter and contains one large seed.
Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter. |
| Medicinal
Uses |
Although
no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus
contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to
form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly
poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives
a sense of well-being. |
| Other
Uses |
Dye;
Hedge.
A green dye can be
obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from
the fruit.
A very good plant for a low windbreak. It is also used as a medium to
tall hedge and for topiary.
Flowers: Fresh &
the flowers are sweetly scented. |
| Propagation |
Seed
- requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold
frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early
in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can
be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the
seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow
them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant
them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings
of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood, October in a sheltered north facing border outdoors.
Layering in spring.
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| Cultivars |
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