Species

13 other cultivars

shrub

Cherry Laurel

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'

$19.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus is a robust broadleaf evergreen species native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, widely utilized for its dense growth and glossy foliage. The species produces small, fragrant white flowers in upright racemes during spring, followed by small black drupes that attract local birds.

'Otto Luyken' is a compact, slow-growing cultivar that spreads wider than its height, reaching up to four feet tall. Its lustrous, dark green leaves are uniquely angled upward from the stems at 45 to 60 degrees, creating a distinctively neat, textured appearance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with dense, lustrous evergreen foliage and upright spikes of fragrant white spring flowers.

Highly adaptable to heavy shade and various soil types, making it an excellent choice for difficult understory plantings.

Dense evergreen growth offers valuable winter shelter for local birds, while the spring flowers support pollinating insects.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

47"

Width

94"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern Europe, Southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, ensuring the location has excellent drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, placing the plant so the top of the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill the hole with native soil, firming it gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the ground.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the main stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this cultivar directly under roof drip lines or irrigation sprinkler heads, as constant water splashing on the foliage triggers shot-hole fungal infections. Always prune individual stems selectively by hand rather than using mechanical shears, which mutilate the large leaves and leave unsightly brown-edged scars.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune selectively by hand immediately after spring flowering to maintain shape.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Provide adequate air circulation to minimize fungal leaf diseases.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Don't

Do not use mechanical hedge trimmers, which slice the large leaves and cause brown scarring.
Do not prune aggressively into old, leafless wood, as it may fail to regenerate.
Do not over-fertilize, as this cultivar is highly intolerant of heavy feeding.
Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools or soils remain waterlogged.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingHedgeMass PlantingPrivacy ScreenUnderstory

Companion Plants

Ilex glabra Rhododendron Sarcococca hookeriana Astilbe

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.