Prunus laurocerasus - Cherry Laurel

Please note this plant is only available for local pick up TA18 8BN.

Plants approx 30cm tall.

Seen this plant on our farm gate stall?

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a vigorous evergreen hedging shrub with large glossy dark green leaves and a dense upright habit. It is widely grown for quick screening, boundary planting and year-round structure.

Its strong evergreen growth and tolerance of clipping make it an excellent choice for privacy hedges, wind-filtering screens, boundary planting, larger gardens and formal or informal hedging.

Why grow Cherry Laurel?

• Fast-growing evergreen hedging plant for quick screening
• Large glossy dark green leaves all year
• Dense habit for privacy and boundary planting
• White spring flower spikes if allowed to bloom
• Responds well to trimming and shaping
• Useful for formal or informal hedges in larger spaces

Plant information

Botanical name: Prunus laurocerasus
Common name: Cherry laurel
Plant type: Evergreen hedging shrub
Flower colour: White flower spikes, followed by dark fruits where untrimmed
Flowering period: Spring to early summer
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Eventual height: Approximately 4-8m if untrimmed
Eventual spread: Controlled by clipping as a hedge
Hardiness: Hardy in UK gardens

Planting and care

Plant in prepared soil in sun or partial shade, allowing enough space for its vigorous growth. Water regularly during the first growing season and during prolonged dry weather while establishing.

Trim as needed to maintain hedge height and shape. Cutting with secateurs can avoid leaf-scorch marks on large leaves, though hedging shears are often used for established hedges.

For a dense hedge plant 3 cherry laurels 35-45cm apart.

For florists and flower arrangers

Cherry laurel is mainly grown for hedging and screening. The foliage is not recommended for arrangements where it could be handled by children or mistaken as edible.

Please note

This plant is evergreen, but all parts are toxic if eaten. Keep leaves, stems, seeds and berries away from children, pets and grazing animals.

Reference information checked against RHS and nursery guidance for cherry laurel habit, hedging use, pruning, site and safety.