Cherry Laurel

prunus caroliniana

Also known as: ["Carolina Cherry Laurel","Cherry Laurel"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Trees

Overview

A small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus caroliniana

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in arid regions; ensure proper placement to avoid leaf scorch.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), leaf drop (stress), or stunted growth (nutrient deficiency).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Monitor leaf color for sun stress; provide shade during extreme heat; rotate plants for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, temperate conditions.

Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; cease feeding in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Peat-perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand for drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots within 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; selective removal of weak or diseased wood.

Pruning Plan

Shape and maintain size; remove dead or crossing branches; encourage airflow and light penetration.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove debris after pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young, rapidly growing plants.

Checklist

Use fresh soil mix; check for pests; water thoroughly after repotting; place in shade for a few days.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture penetration to a depth of 6–8 inches, allowing excess water to drain freely; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback if below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in freezing temperatures; plant in sheltered locations.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering if water and shade are inadequate.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce ground heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water before and after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus caroliniana may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Prunus caroliniana can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Prunus caroliniana are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, premature leaf drop, and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Prunus caroliniana due to excessive moisture, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause rapid toxicity. The compounds inhibit cellular respiration, leading to severe metabolic disturbances and potential fatal outcomes.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures coma
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Time is critical in treating cyanide poisoning.
Dogs
Toxic

The cyanogenic glycosides in Prunus caroliniana can cause severe toxicity in dogs. These compounds disrupt oxygen transport in the body, leading to metabolic acidosis and potential organ damage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea excessive drooling difficulty breathing weakness tremors seizures collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Humans
Toxic

The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The seeds, stems, and leaves are particularly high in these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing dizziness weakness convulsions loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. If ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prunus caroliniana toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Cherry Laurel attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How should I care for Prunus caroliniana?

A: It requires moderate care, including regular watering and occasional pruning.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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