Prunus laurocerasus - Laurel

Also known as Cherry Laurel, this is a very fast-growing evergreen shrub with large handsome leaves. It's often planted as a hedge, because its fast growth quickly gives a dense screen to ensure year-round privacy. It has spikes of very sweet smelling flowers in spring, and berries in autumn, which are relished by a range of birds. Planted as a shrub, it tends to layer itself to make a large plant. It can also be trained as a small tree.

Site and soil

Laurel is useful in that it will cope with both dry and damp shade, and even wet situations. It is tolerant of wind, and is often planted as a wind-break, however this Laurel species is not recommended for coastal areas.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 5m x 3m
After 20 years: 6m x 5m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are large – to 15cm long – tough and glossy and oblong in shape. When crushed, they give off a sweet scent; they contain prussic acid and are sometimes used in insect killing jars. The bark is smooth and mid-brown.

Flower, seed and fruit

The small white flowers open in April and are carried in spikes 7 – 12cm long. They have a very sweet smell, which is often carried on the air for yards around. The flowers are followed by round red berries which ripen to black in September. The seed within the berry is poisonous.

Uses

Hedges, screens, game cover, shrub, small tree.

Wildlife

Bees, hoverflies, ants and wasps are attracted to the flowers and several species of birds eat the berries. Laurel provides cover for birds and small mammals.