About
A dense, evergreen shrub 2m tall with a vase-shaped habit and narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Small, strongly aromatic white flowers in erect racemes appear in spring if the shrub is not pruned regularly, followed by cherry-like red fruits turning to glossy black. Better frost resistance than other varieties, and forms a neat and compact hedge.
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
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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 chip budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and bullfinches
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases