About
A large, upright, vigorous evergreen shrub to 8m tall, with large, glossy, curled dark green leaves. Small, strongly scented white flowers in erect racemes appear in late spring, followed by cherry-like red fruits turning to glossy black.
About the genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Has the potential to become a nuisance plant 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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf-mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases