Prunus laurocerasus

Common Cherrylaurel, English Laurel
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Can grow 10-18' tall and perhaps 25-30' wide in ideal conditions, with a large and wide-spreading form. However, cultivars in landscapes are generally smaller. Moderate growth rate.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. Introduced in 1576.

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect, white flowers, 0.25-0.33" across, 20 stamens, April-May, born in 2-5" long, 0.75" wide racemes from the leaf axils, very fragrant. Fruits are conical-rounded drupes, purple to black, 0.33-0.5" long, during summer, often lost among the leaves. Seeds are toxic to humans.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Lustrous dark green, broadleaf evergreen leaves. Simple, alternately arranged, 2-6" long and 1-3" wide, 2 to 4 glands present on the underside of the leaf near or at the point of attachment to petiole. Evergreen to -5°F, and perhaps lower. Green stems, somewhat angled from the nodes. When fresh stems are bruised, they have the typical cherry odor.

Culture and Care

Transplant balled/burlapped or from a container into moist, well-drained, organic soil, partial to heavy shade. Avoid excessive fertilization. Salt spray tolerant, withstands pruning. Does not tolerate poorly drained soils but is pH adaptable. Zones 6-8. Not as susceptible to the typical Prunus problems, although insects can cause considerable foliage damage. Shothole fungus disease and foliage insects cause problems. Root rot occurs in wet, poorly drained sites.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Showy broadleaf evergreen with flowers, for shaded sites. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter. Not super hardy. Gets root rot in poorly-drained sites. This species is showing invasive potential in some western counties of Washington, Oregon and California.

Suggested Uses

This species has been determined to be invasive in parts of the United States. Thoroughly research potential impacts to local native habitats before planting.
Good hedge plant, great for shaded areas. Good in groupings or masses.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' // Otto Luyken Cherrylaurel, Otto Luyken English Laurel
    Shrub. A compact plant, usually growing only 3-4' tall and 6-8' wide, sometimes to 10' by 10' for old plants in ideal sites. Lustrous dark green leaves grow at an upward, 60-45° angle to the stem. Flowers abundantly in deep shade. Songbird haven. Cultivar introduced in 1968 by Hesse Nurseries, Germany.
    Bed 205

  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis' // Schipka Cherrylaurel, Schipkaensis Laurel
    Shrub. Dark green, narrow-leaved form, w/ leaves 2-4.5" long and 0.75-1.5" wide, growing 4-5' (occasional10') and wide-spreading at maturity. More than one form sold under this cultivar name, resulting in variation in growth habit, size and leaf characteristics. Dark green leaves hold color well through the winter; probably the hardiest of cherrylaurels. Zones 5-8. Found in 1889 near the Shipka Pass through the Balkan Mountains (at 4000' elevation) in Bulgaria.
    BS009111 - BS009115