Prunus laurocerasus
cherry laurel
A vigorous, large, spreading evergreen shrub with handsome, glossy dark green leaves to 15cm in length. Small white flowers in erect racemes to 12cm in length are followed by cherry-like glossy red fruits soon turning black
Synonyms
Cerasus laurocerasus
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Black Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Seed 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Europe, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy 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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter; propagate by seed in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8 including hedges in late spring or early summer
Pests
Leaves may be damaged by vine weevil and leaf-mining moths
Diseases
May be affected by powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Get involved
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