Prunus laurocerasus, 3L
A robust evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen, Prunus laurocerasus offers year-round interest and structure.
Dimensions
- 3L
- Eventual height and spread: H: up to 600cm (19ft 8in), W: up to 400cm (13ft 1in)
Features
A robust evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen, Prunus laurocerasus offers year-round interest and structure.
Native to regions bordering the Black Sea, including parts of southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, Prunus laurocerasus has been cultivated in the UK since the 16th century. Its rapid growth and dense foliage make it a popular choice for privacy screens and formal hedging.
- Flowers: April–May
- Hardy
- Soil: Moist but well-drained; tolerates clay, chalk, loam or sandy soils
- Aspect: North, east, south or west-facing
- Sun levels: Full sun, part shade or full shade
Trim after flowering to maintain size and encourage bushier growth. Can be clipped into a formal hedge or left to grow more naturally. Mulch in spring and water in prolonged dry spells while establishing. Well-suited to difficult spots, including shaded boundaries.
Lightly fragrant