Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

7 other cultivars

shrub

Dwarf English Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Nana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus is a dense evergreen shrub valued for its glossy, dark green foliage. It produces fragrant white flower spikes in spring.

'Nana' is a compact, low-growing, and spreading cultivar, making it an excellent choice for groundcover, low hedges, or foundation plantings where a full-sized laurel is too large.

Uses & Benefits:

Its compact, spreading habit and glossy evergreen leaves make it a superb choice for creating low formal hedges, edging pathways, or as a foundation planting that won't overgrow its space.

Used as a groundcover, it effectively suppresses weeds over large areas in both sun and shade, reducing garden maintenance. Its low height is perfect for planting under windows.

The dense foliage provides year-round cover for small ground-dwelling wildlife. Its spring flowers offer an early food source for bees and other pollinators.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia

Toxicity

All parts, except the flesh of the fruit, are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with well-draining soil in sun or shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Place the plant so its root flare is level with the ground.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the roots.
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Shear lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact form and encourage maximum bushiness.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture until the plant is well-established.
Prune or shear after blooming to shape and control size.
Monitor for common pests like vine weevils.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or boggy soils.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
Do not allow the plant to dry out completely in its first year.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lustrous evergreen groundcoverLow formal hedge or borderFoundation planting accent

Companion Plants

Vinca minor Ajuga reptans Helleborus Pachysandra terminalis Tiarella cordifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf English Laurel questions

What zones can Dwarf English Laurel grow in?

Dwarf English 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 Dwarf English Laurel deer resistant?

Yes — Dwarf English Laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dwarf English Laurel bloom?

Dwarf English 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 Dwarf English Laurel need full sun?

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

Is Dwarf English Laurel drought tolerant?

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