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Prunus laurocerasus (English Laurel)

English Laurel, Cherry Laurel, Laurel Cherry, Versailles Laurel, Common Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus, English Laurel, Cherry Laurel, Laurel Cherry, Versailles Laurel, Common Laurel, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree
Prunus laurocerasus, English Laurel, Cherry Laurel, Laurel Cherry, Versailles Laurel, Common Laurel, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree

Prunus laurocerasus (English Laurel) is a vigorous, broad, spreading evergreen shrub with dense, erect branches clothed in handsome, lustrous, dark green leaves (6 in. long or 15 cm). Rich with a strong plum fragrance, a profusion of tiny, creamy-white flowers held in upright racemes, 5 in. long (12 cm), are on display in mid-late summer. They are followed by cherry-like glossy red fruits that ripen to purple-black by fall. While the ripe berries should not be consumed, birds will strip them all once they are ripe. Fast-growing, English Laurel is a superb choice for hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks. Tolerates salt sprays.

  • Grows up with a dense, spreading, bushy habit to 15-30 ft. tall and wide (4-12 m)
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Good soil drainage is essential. Need some shade in the hottest climates but can take sun or shade elsewhere.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges or screens.
  • Prune as needed after flowering. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to fall or hardwood cuttings from late fall to late winter; propagate by seed in fall.
  • Low maintenance, the leaves of this lovely shrub may be damaged by vine weevil, leaf-mining moths, or powdery mildews.
  • This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Leaves and fruit may be harmful if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to southeastern Europe to Iran

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Spread 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Prunus cistena, Prunus x cistena, Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry, Sand Cherry Tree, Flowering Tree, Pink flowers, pink prunusAGM Award
Prunus ilicifolia, Hollyleaf Cherry, Holly-Leaved Cherry, Evergreen Cherry, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree, Cherry Tree, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree
Prunus serotina, Black Cherry, Wild Black Cherry, Rum Cherry, Flowering Tree, White flowers, Red Berries
Prunus caroliniana, Carolina Cherry-laurel, Cherry-laurel, Laurel Cherry, Carolina Laurel Cherry, Laurocerasus caroliniana, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree
Prunus americana, American Plum, Wild Plum, American Wild Yellow Plum, American Wild Red Plum, August Plum, Canada Plum, Goose Plum, Hog Plum, American Plum, River Plum, Sloe Plum, Flowering Tree, White flowers, Red Berries
Prunus Snow Fountains, Weeping Higan Cherry Snow Fountains,  Snow Fountains Cherry, Prunus 'Snofozam', Prunus 'White Fountain', White flowers, Spring Flowers

Recommended Companion Plants

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Spread 15' - 30'
(4m - 9m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Not sure which Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree to pick?
Compare Now

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