Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

13 other cultivars

shrub

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Supreme'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a dense evergreen shrub or small tree native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It features large, thick, glossy dark green leaves and produces erect, cylindrical racemes of small white to cream flowers in spring.

'Supreme' is distinguished by its upright, vase-shaped to broad-spreading growth habit, reaching heights of ten to fifteen feet at maturity. Its new foliage emerges in a vibrant chartreuse-green before maturing to a deep, leathery green.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, glossy evergreen foliage and upright white flower spikes provide year-round structure and spring interest.

Functions as an effective, wind-tolerant privacy screen or formal hedge that handles urban pollution.

Provides dense nesting cover and shelter for songbirds, which also feed on the dark berries.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

177"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and livestock

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, fertile, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil to prevent Phytophthora root rot, and never prune back past the green foliage zone into bare, old wood as it fails to regenerate from ancient stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Prune annually immediately after flowering in late spring to maintain shape and density.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, bare wood, as the plant will fail to regenerate new growth from ancient stems.
Do not over-fertilize, which causes weak, pest-susceptible flushes of growth.
Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or waterlogged soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal hedges and privacy screensUnderstory planting in shaded woodland gardensWindbreaks and noise barriers

Companion Plants

Ilex opaca Prunus caroliniana

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 6–9. 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 late spring. 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.