Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

7 other cultivars

shrub

Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Chestnut Hill'

$34.13

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant spring flowers. It is a tough, adaptable plant often used for hedging and screening.

'Chestnut Hill' is a compact, spreading cultivar selected for its superior cold hardiness and resistance to shot-hole disease. It maintains a dense, mounded form with little pruning.

Uses & Benefits:

Its lustrous, dark green evergreen leaves provide excellent year-round structure and color in the landscape. Fragrant white flower spikes appear in spring, followed by small, black, ornamental fruits.

This shrub's dense growth habit makes it an ideal choice for creating formal or informal hedges, privacy screens, and foundation plantings. It is also quite tolerant of pruning and shaping.

The fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The small, dark fruits, while toxic to humans, are a food source for birds.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Cultivar of a species from SW Asia/SE Europe

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

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$34.13

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in sun or shade
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface
Backfill with soil, firming it gently
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil
Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the stem

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil; cherry laurels are intolerant of 'wet feet' which can lead to root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system
Prune after the spring bloom to shape the plant
Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil
Avoid late-season pruning, which can encourage tender new growth before winter
Do not ingest any part of the plant; leaves and seeds are toxic

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dense evergreen hedge for privacyLow-maintenance foundation plantingLustrous foliage for shady borders

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Rhododendron Hydrangea Dryopteris erythrosora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel questions

What zones can Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel grow in?

Chestnut Hill 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 Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel deer resistant?

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

When does Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel bloom?

Chestnut Hill 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 Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel need full sun?

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

Is Chestnut Hill Cherry Laurel drought tolerant?

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