Prunus laurocerasus (English Laurel)

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