Species

Prunus carolinianaCarolina Cherry-laurel

1 other cultivar

‘Compacta’Dwarf Carolina Laurel Cherry

treeN. America Native

Carolina Cherry Laurel

Prunus caroliniana 'Centre Court'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus caroliniana is an evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, commonly found in maritime forests, river bottoms, and sandy hammocks. The species features glossy, leathery, dark green leaves that release a distinct almond or maraschino cherry scent when crushed, accompanied by small white flowers in late winter followed by persistent black drupes.

'Centre Court' is distinguished by its tightly dense, sleekly pyramidal growth habit and highly uniform upright structure. This cultivar maintains a more compact, manicured form than the straight species, making it highly suitable for formal hedges and narrow privacy screens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, glossy, evergreen screen with a neat pyramidal shape, accented by fragrant white spring flowers.

Offers high drought tolerance once established and acts as an effective windbreak or noise barrier.

Serves as a critical larval host for native butterflies like tiger swallowtails, and the persistent winter berries feed songbirds.

SpeciesPrunus carolinianaCarolina Cherry-laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

50 to 150 years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

High

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the ground.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing deep into old, leafless bare wood when shaping hedges, as the plant fails to regenerate easily from old wood. Maintain consistent soil moisture during the first growing season to establish a deep root system that resists subsequent drought.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first year to establish a robust root system.
Prune immediately after the spring flowering cycle to shape the canopy or maintain a formal hedge.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and early fall.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Avoid cutting back into bare, leafless wood, which lacks active buds for regrowth.
Do not allow livestock or pets to graze on fallen leaves or pruned branches due to high toxicity.

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

Privacy ScreenFormal HedgeSpecimen TreeWindbreakBuffer Strip

Companion Plants

Ilex vomitoria Viburnum obovatum Myrica cerifera Hydrangea quercifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Carolina Cherry Laurel questions

What zones can Carolina Cherry Laurel grow in?

Carolina Cherry Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Carolina Cherry Laurel deer resistant?

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

When does Carolina Cherry Laurel bloom?

Carolina Cherry Laurel typically blooms in late winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Carolina Cherry Laurel need full sun?

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

Is Carolina Cherry Laurel drought tolerant?

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