Overview
Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' is a tree evergreen shrub in the genus Prunus, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall. Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders. It is native to Southwestern Asia and Southeastern Europe.
About
Prunus laurocerasus, also known as cherry laurel, common laurel and sometimes English laurel in North America, is an evergreen species of cherry (Prunus), native to regions bordering the Black Sea in southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, from Albania and Bulgaria east through Turkey to the Caucasus Mountains and northern Iran.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus laurocerasus
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Habit
- Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 6.0 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders
- Native to
- Southwestern Asia, Southeastern Europe
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of shade; prune to maintain shape and size
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning into old wood
- Propagation
- Seed, grafting, softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Plum moth
- Disease resistance
- Silver leaf, Brown rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of shade; prune to maintain shape and size.
Where is the best place to plant Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'?
Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' need?
Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
How big does Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' grow?
Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' reaches a height of 6.0 m.
Is Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' hardy in the UK?
Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'?
Seed, grafting, softwood cuttings.
Is Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
