About
Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel, is a vigorous, large, spreading evergreen shrub with attractive, glossy, dark-green leaves to 15 cm long. Small, white flowers in erect racemes to 12 cm long are produced in mid-spring, followed by cherry-like, glossy, red fruits that turn black. One of the most useful evergreen shrubs for hedging and screening.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Europe, SW Asia
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySeed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in any moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Superb hedging shrub but may become chlorotic on poorer, shallow chalky soils. Fast-growing, forming dense walls of foliage if not pruned and has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 8 including hedges in late spring or early summer
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter; propagate by seed in autumn
Pest resistanceLeaves may be damaged by vine weevil and leaf-mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa