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Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita'

cherry laurel 'Novita'

A vigorous, dense and bushy evergreen shrub, becoming tree-like to 5m tall, with large, glossy leaves. In spring it produces upright spikes packed with small white flowers; these are followed by clusters of shiny, dark red to black berries

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Ultimate height

4–8 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

4–8 metres

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full shade
Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to the UK: 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: Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. May become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens
Hedging and screens

Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to laurel leaf disease

Get involved

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