Evergreen shrubs – Cherry Laurel

Cherry laurel

Botanical name: prunus laurocerasus 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 10-35 ft in height with a 6-30 ft spread

Bloom time: spring-early summer

Hardy zone: zones 8-10

Flower color: white 

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late spring-early summer once it is done flowering 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings

Landscape use: privacy plant, foundation planting, focal point

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators, disease resistant

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a tree and shrub plant food liquid fertilizer once a month in the spring from march throughout may 

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: azaleas, gardenias, viburnum 

Toxicity level: safe for pets but toxic for humans if ingested 

Invasive species: aggressive but non-invasive