Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

13 other cultivars

shrub

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel, is a vigorous evergreen shrub native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It forms a dense, broad-spreading canopy of glossy, leathery leaves that release a distinct almond scent when crushed, accompanied by upright racemes of creamy white flowers in spring.

'Rotundifolia' is distinguished by its broader, more rounded leaves and exceptionally robust, upright growth habit. This selection is highly favored for creating dense, fast-growing privacy screens and formal hedges that tolerate heavy shearing.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, glossy, deep green backdrop year-round, accented by upright creamy white flower spikes in spring.

Acts as an effective windbreak, noise barrier, and privacy screen due to its rapid growth and tolerance to heavy shearing.

Offers excellent nesting cover and shelter for songbirds, which also feed on the dark summer drupes.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Southeastern Europe, southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Early summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in full sun to deep shade, ensuring the location does not collect standing winter water.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, backfilling with native soil to avoid creating a water-retaining pocket.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained clay sumps where standing water triggers Phytophthora root rot, and do not attempt to shear a tight, formal hedge in deep shade as it will result in a leggy, sparse lower canopy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually after flowering or in late summer to maintain a neat hedge shape.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot diseases.
Clear fallen leaf debris around the base of the plant to reduce fungal spore carryover.

Don't

Do not hack severely into old, completely leafless wood lacking dormant buds, as regrowth will be slow and patchy.
Do not over-fertilize with heavy nitrogen, which stimulates weak, soft growth vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Do not plant in low-lying clay areas where winter water accumulates.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenFormal HedgeUnderstory PlantingWindbreakFoundation Planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cherry Laurel questions

What zones can Cherry Laurel grow in?

Cherry Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cherry Laurel deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cherry Laurel, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cherry Laurel bloom?

Cherry Laurel typically blooms in mid-spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cherry Laurel need full sun?

Cherry Laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cherry Laurel drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cherry Laurel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.