Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

13 other cultivars

shrub

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a vigorous evergreen shrub native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, characterized by its dense, broad-spreading habit and large, leathery, glossy dark green leaves. In spring, it produces upright, sweet-scented racemes of creamy-white flowers, which are followed by small black drupes in summer.

'Novita' is a cultivar selected specifically for its enhanced cold-hardiness compared to older varieties like 'Rotundifolia', making it more reliable in colder northern zones. It maintains a highly compact, well-ramified form when pruned and exhibits rapid spring growth with bright, light green new foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, glossy, evergreen backdrop with fragrant spring flowers and attractive, dark green foliage year-round.

Serves as an exceptionally effective windbreak, noise barrier, or tall privacy screen due to its rapid, dense growth.

Attracts bees and other insect pollinators to its spring blossoms, while songbirds consume the summer drupes.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

197"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern Europe, Caucasus, Southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, ensuring there is adequate space for its broad-spreading mature width.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, backfilling with organic matter if the soil is poor or heavy clay.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting to settle the soil, and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid using blunt mechanical hedge trimmers that shred the large leaf blades and leave unsightly brown margins; instead, use sharp hand shears or secateurs to make clean cuts. Additionally, skip heavy nitrogen fertilizers, as rapid, soft spring growth invites aphid infestations and powdery mildew.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually after spring flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent Phytophthora root rot.
Clear away fallen leaf debris to reduce the spread of fungal spores like shot-hole disease.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare, leafless wood, as it may fail to regenerate.
Do not over-fertilize, which triggers weak, soft growth susceptible to pests.
Do not use overhead irrigation, as wet foliage encourages powdery mildew and shot-hole fungus.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenHedgeFoundation PlantingWindbreakSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Ilex glabra Morella cerifera Sarcococca hookeriana Rhododendron Hydrangea macrophylla

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 spring through 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.