Cherry Laurel
prunus laurocerasus
Also known as: ["English Laurel","Common Laurel"]
Overview
A large evergreen shrub or small tree native to regions of the Balkans and Caucasus, known for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus laurocerasus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; can tolerate clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or biannually, depending on growth rate and desired shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun; 4–6 hours of morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid leaf scorch; protect from intense afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; provide shade in hot afternoons; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 80°F; prefers moderate temperatures in spring and fall.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot weather; adjust watering based on temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use half-strength liquid fertilizer for container plants; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; softwood cuttings in summer are most successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage and aeration.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth indicates establishment, typically within 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the plant, heading cuts to encourage branching, and selective removal of crossing or damaged branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at correct time, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, shape plant as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins is ideal.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in shade for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; container plants benefit from repotting to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose correct pot size, prepare new soil mix, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, adjust care temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows or halts; can suffer frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch around the base for insulation; protect from cold winds; move container plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; soil may dry out quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, apply at correct time, dilute properly, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides found in Prunus laurocerasus. Ingestion can lead to rapid cyanide poisoning, impairing oxygen transport and causing severe physiological distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cyanogenic glycosides in Prunus laurocerasus are toxic to dogs, causing cyanide poisoning. This disrupts the dog's ability to utilize oxygen, leading to systemic toxicity. The severity depends on the amount ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicPrunus laurocerasus contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The toxic effects are systemic and can be severe, particularly with ingestion of larger quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cherry Laurel toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How fast does Cherry Laurel grow?
A: It is a fast-growing shrub, often adding 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Q: Does Cherry Laurel attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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