Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
36 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Average; drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Western Asia (Turkey, Syria, Iran)
Toxicity
Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Danae racemosa, commonly known as Alexandrian laurel, is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub noted for its elegant, arching stems and glossy, leaf-like cladodes that create a fern-like appearance. It produces small, inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers in spring, which are followed by attractive, but sparsely produced, red berries in fall. A highly prized plant for deep shade, its graceful, arching form provides fine texture and year-round interest. The cut stems are long-lasting and widely used in floral arrangements. It is exceptionally low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and resistant to deer and rabbits.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck mature rhizomes into well-draining soil in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Mist foliage during dry periods for humidity
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for healthy growth
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to propagate
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and shady location for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Tuck rhizomes into shady spots
Don't
- Avoid dry, sunny locations ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Alexandrian Laurel questions
What zones can Alexandrian Laurel grow in?
Alexandrian Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Alexandrian Laurel deer resistant?
Yes — Alexandrian Laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Alexandrian Laurel bloom?
Alexandrian Laurel typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Alexandrian Laurel need full sun?
Alexandrian Laurel does best in part shade.
Is Alexandrian Laurel drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Alexandrian Laurel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Alexandrian Laurel with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
