ShrubsPrunus laurocerasus
Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel is a popular, evergreen shrub with large, glossy dark green leaves. It bears white flower racemes in April and May, followed by black berries loved by birds. Widely used as a hedging plant thanks to its fast growth and dense, year-round screen.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 300–600 cm
- Spread
- 200–400 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–8
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees, birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade or full sun in almost any soil type. Water regularly in the first year. Once established, Cherry Laurel is drought-tolerant. Fertilise in spring with an organic feed for vigorous growth.
Pruning tips
Trim hedges twice a year: late June and early September. Use secateurs rather than hedge trimmers to avoid leaf damage. Overgrown specimens tolerate hard renovation pruning to old wood in spring.
Good companions
TreesTaxus baccata
English Yew
English Yew is an evergreen conifer used both as a freestanding tree and as a formal hedge. Its dark green needles are densely packed and form an impenetrable screen. Female trees bear striking red berries in autumn. All parts except the berry flesh are poisonous.
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.
TreesIlex aquifolium
English Holly
English Holly is a stately, evergreen tree with glossy, spiny dark green leaves that provide a magnificent backdrop in winter. Female specimens bear bright red berries that are indispensable winter food for birds. The tree grows slowly but can live for centuries.