Cherry Laurel Bush, Common Cherry Laurel, Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus Rotundifolia, also known as Cherry Laurel Bush or simply Laurel, is a vigorous, bushy, and upright evergreen shrub used for hedging and evergreen screening throughout the UK. It features dark green, glossy, oblong leaves and small, fragrant white flowers on 5-12 cm long spikes that appear in mid and late spring, followed by cherry-like red fruits that ripen to black.

Prunus laurocerasus Rotundifolia is excellent for hedging but may become chlorotic in shallow chalk soil. Unlike most evergreens, it can be pruned hard back into old wood, only to rebound and be as good as new within a few months of the growing season.

Fertilizer applications in the early spring containing trace elements of manganese and magnesium help stimulate a deep leaf colour. The Cherry Laurel Bush thrives on most free-draining soils and is an excellent plant for making a garden private.

For propagation, use semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter.

Suggested planting locations and garden types include coastal areas, cottage and informal gardens, and wildlife gardens for hedging and screens.

Mature Height: 3-5m

Common names

Cherry Laurel Bush, Common Cherry Laurel, Laurel

Height of tree

3-5m

Tree type

Evergreen

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Hedging

Foliage Colour

Green

Privacy

Screening from ground level

Location

Garden

Genus

Prunus