Prunus lusitanica or portugal laurel makes the perfect large shrub some would even class it as a small tree if you39re looking for attractive hedging portugal laurel could be just the job it39s hardy and resilient and easy to grow holder of the rhs award of garden merit this versatile shrub develops shiny rich green leaves that emerge from dark red shoots in springtime portugal laurel produces small beautifully scented flowers which evolve into small purple berries as autumn