Cherry laurel, Prunus
laurocerasus -
Shrub
Whenever
people ask me about planting a fast growing evergreen hedging plant
(they usually condense this into saying "Lleylandii") I direct them
towards Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel.
A much nicer
looking plant, bushy, quick growing but not in the same bully-boy league
as Lleylandii,
and with the bonus of spring flowers and the ability to regenerate itself
when cut back hard into brown wood. An evergreen shrub with large glossy,
dark green leaves. It makes an excellent hedging plant, and can cope
with deep shade under trees was well as full sun. Sometimes there are
cherry red berries which are harmful if eaten. Will
grow into a loose tree if allowed to go unpruned.
As well as
being used for hedges, make a good windbreak for an exposed corner if
planted alone, or a good dark green backdrop to more ornamental plants.
A smaller
variety "Otto luyken" is available that grows only to
about 1m x 1.5m (3ft x 5ft), good for the more restricted situation.
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Position: full sun, partial shade or shade
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Soil:
any except shallow chalk
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Rate of growth:
fast-growing
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Flowering period:
April
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Flower color:
white
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Hardiness:
fully hardy, not suitable for very exposed positions
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Height and spread:
10m x 10m (30ft x 30ft)
Uses
- Specimen / Hedging / mixed border
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