Prunus Laurocerasus

Prunus Laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel)

Why Buy Me?

• Pretty flowers in clusters
• Evergreen
• Compact and easy to grow

Growing Conditions

• Light:
  Full sun to full shade. Very adaptable; thrives in a wide range of light conditions.

• Soil:
  Moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a wide variety of soils, including clay, chalk, and loam. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

• Exposure:
  Sheltered or exposed positions. Hardy and wind-tolerant. Can cope with urban pollution and coastal exposure.

• Drought Tolerance:
  High once established. Tolerates dry shade and periods of drought well.

Cultivation & Care

• Planting Time:
  Plant in spring or autumn when soil conditions are moist and workable.

• Spacing:
  Space 1.5–2 metres (5–6.5 feet) apart for hedging. Can be clipped to size.

• Watering & Fertilization:
  Water well during the first season. Once established, requires little watering. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced general-purpose feed if desired.

• Mulching & Pruning:
  Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late spring or early summer after flowering. Can be clipped hard to control size and shape, especially in hedging.

• Propagation:
  Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or by seed (though slower).

Seasonal Interest

• Spring:
  Produces upright clusters of fragrant white flowers in mid to late spring, especially on untrimmed plants.

• Summer:
  Glossy, leathery evergreen leaves provide dense cover and structure.

• Autumn:
  Small black berries may appear after flowering, attractive to birds (but toxic if eaten by humans).

• Winter:
  Evergreen. Retains dense foliage and provides excellent screening year-round.

Wildlife & Garden Use

• Wildlife:
  Flowers attract pollinators such as bees. Berries are eaten by birds. Dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites.

• Garden Use:
  Widely used for hedging, screening, windbreaks, and foundation planting. Also suitable as a large background shrub or for topiary in formal settings.

• Companion Plants:
  Combines well with shade-tolerant plants like ferns, hostas, Sarcococca, and Viburnum. For contrast, pair with flowering perennials like Hellebores or bulbs like snowdrops and bluebells.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Prunus Laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel). It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.