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PRUNUS laurocerasus
Commonly known as Common laurel
LAURELS
Excellent for hedging even in shade
Further Reading....
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EvergreenDark green leaves, paler beneath, to 15cm (6in) long.
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White
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Height8m (26ft)
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Spread10m (33ft)
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HedgeIdeal for hedging
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Tall ShrubDense, bushy shrub becoming spreading and tree-like with age. Produces small flowers in upright racemes 5-12cm (2-4¾in) tall followed by conical, cherry-like red fruit 1cm (½in) across, ripening to black.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full shadeTolerates shade but fruiting inhibited.
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Full sun
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Partial shade
PRUNUS laurocerasus
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowWildlife plant - bees, butterflies, moths. Notably resistant to honey fungus. Naturalised in UK. Invasive.Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble free.Place of originEastern Europe, south-western AsiaResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower ShapeCup-shaped
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrulate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOblong
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 5Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8 -
Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soilModerately fertile.
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets)
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WildlifeBee friendlyButterfly friendlyRabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cold weather damage to evergreen plants
Prunus / Laurel - Growing Guide
8m (26ft)
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10m (33ft) |

AGAPANTHUS umbellatus
African blue lily, Lily-of-the-Nile, Love flower

DARMERA peltata
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HUMULUS lupulus 'Aureus'
Golden hop
Available from £16.50

LATHYRUS latifolius 'Red Pearl'
Perennial pea
Available from £15.00

PINUS radiata
Monterey pine, Insignis pine
Available from £13.50

PRUNUS
Cherry tree
Buy Varieties of PRUNUS laurocerasus
LAURELS

PRUNUS laurocerasus 'Marbled White'
Cherry laurel, Common laurel
conspicuously white margined leaves which can be flushed with pink in winter


PRUNUS laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'
Cherry laurel, Common laurel
dwarf cherry laurel
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Vermin & Pest Control
Tree Guards
Essential small tree protection from vermin and strimming. This pack includes 5 x 90cm canes and 5 x 90cm spiral guards. Includes instructions.
Only £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20