Plant Database
English Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus, Cherry Laurel
English Laurel is the classic, fast-growing evergreen hedge plant, forming a dense, impenetrable screen of glossy dark green leaves. It tolerates heavy shearing, thrives in sun or shade, and produces fragrant spring flowers. However, it requires vigilant maintenance to control its size and spread, as it can become large and weedy if left untended.
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Grows extremely rapidly into a large, dense shrub or small tree, making it one of the fastest solutions for a tall privacy screen or windbreak.
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Tolerates heavy pruning and shearing exceptionally well, making it suitable for both formal hedges and informal screens.
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Adaptable to sun or deep shade, and once established, has moderate drought tolerance.
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Important Notes: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. It can also sucker and spread via bird-dispersed seeds, potentially becoming invasive in some woodland areas. Requires pruning 2-3 times per year to keep neat.