About
Laurelia sempervirens, the Chilean laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of upright, conical habit with broadly elliptic, serrated leaves � glossy vivid green when young, darkening to leathery dark-green with age. The leaves are strongly aromatic when crushed. Clusters of tiny, yellow-green flowers are produced in the leaf axils in early summer. A handsome and rewarding specimen for a sheltered, mild garden.
About the genus
Laurelia are aromatic evergreen trees from Chile producing elliptic, toothed, aromatic leaves and tiny flowers. Grown as specimen trees in sheltered, mild gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toCentral and Southern Chile
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist soil that does not dry out, in a sheltered spot in sun or part shade
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings, taken with a heel and potted individually in sandy soil in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free