Prunus laurocerasus | Cherry Laurel | Common Laurel

The Prunus laurocerasus is a large, spreading, evergreen shrub or small tree ideal for hedging and screening. It has large, shiny, dark green leaves that are thick and leathery to the touch. Small, white flowers appear in May to June followed by small, red cherry-like fruits that turn black in early autumn. This tree is very hardy and will thrive in most well-drained soil, in sun or shade and will tolerate wind and extreme cold. The Prunus laurocerasus can grow as high as 4-8m and just as wide. An adaptable tree, it responds well to pruning, even when pruned back to old wood, it will regenerate. There are many cultivars of the Prunus laurocerasus: Prunus laurocerasus 'Caucasica', Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' and Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'.

Mature Height

3-8m

Tree Features

Large, shiny, dark green leaves that are thick and leathery to the touch.

Small, white flowers in May to June followed by small, red cherry-like fruits that turn black in early autumn.

Growing Conditions

Very hardy, this tree will thrive in most well-drained soil, in sun or shade and will tolerate wind and extreme cold.

Season of Interest

Winter - Large, shiny evergreen leaves.

Tree Type

Hedging, Large Shrub, Bush, Standard, Pleached

Growing Locations

Hedging, Gardens, Windbreaks, Woodlands, Screening

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Evergreen
Did you know?

The seed inside the fruit and the leaves contain concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, so should never be eaten.