Overview

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' 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 'Rotundifolia' 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 4.0Prunus 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 4.0Prunus

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 'Rotundifolia' 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 'Rotundifolia'

Pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
Propagation
Seed, grafting, softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids, Plum moth
Disease resistance
Silver leaf, Brown rot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia'?

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' need?

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' 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 'Rotundifolia'?

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.

How big does Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' grow?

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' reaches a height of 6.0 m.

Is Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' hardy in the UK?

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' 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 'Rotundifolia'?

Seed, grafting, softwood cuttings.

Is Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' toxic?

Toxic if ingested.

More in the Prunus genus

Browse all Prunus