Species cherry laurel

cherry laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Also Known As - cherry laurel
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an evergreen flowering shrub, typically grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It can reach up to 10 meters and it has white flowers that appear in late spring. Leaves are green, with a glossy finish, and the fruit is a drupe that matures in late summer. This species is highly drought tolerant and can grow in both damp, shady and sun-exposed areas. It is a tough and durable plant and it is used as a hedge or as a backdrop in landscaping. It is also suitable for small gardens as it requires little maintenance and only occasional pruning.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Creamy white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) should be watered deeply approximately once every 7-10 days. If the lawn is established (over 1 year old), it typically only needs to be watered once every 2 weeks. When watering, the soil should be soaked to a depth of 12-18 inches. In hot, dry weather, the cherry laurel may need to be watered more frequently.

sunlight

Cherry laurel is a species of evergreen shrub that performs best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours each day. During the warm months of the year, when the days are longest, the plant thrives on exposure to full sunlight all day long. During the cooler months of the year, when the days are shorter, direct sunlight is best for a few hours in the morning or late afternoon. If exposed to too much shade, the foliage of cherry laurel will become yellow and sparse, which can make the plant look unattractive.

pruning

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) should ideally be pruned in late winter or early spring before any new growth appears. Pruning should be done carefully with pruning shears or a sharp pair of loppers to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to shape the shrub. Primary branches should be reduced by about 1-third. When shaping the shrub, do not create a tight, rounded form, as this can cause excessive growth and lead to the formation of weak shoots and splitting of branches. Instead, aim to open up the centre of the shrub, cutting branches back to an outward-facing bud. Prune more aggressively in the first 2 or 3 years after planting if necessary, but thereafter try to restrict yourself to light pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Cherry laurel typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map