Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel)

This will tolerate heavy shade and any soil as long as it's not too chalky. At its very best when pruned into a single trunked tree - rather than a great sprawling mess!

All woody plants that are going to be shaped, need to be cut at a time in the growing season when there will still be enough time for new growth to come (often mid to late summer) so that by the time winter comes along, they don't look like they've just had a haircut. There is a particular problem associated with all Cherries (Prunus); pruning the leaves in mid summer makes them susceptible to attack by an endemic fungus that causes 'shot hole'. This effects the new leaves that grow after pruning - they emerge discoloured and full of little holes. It doesn't have a lasting effect but does look unsightly and is best avoided. How? Never prune Prunus in Junus....Try pruning, up to the middle of May or after mid July to be on the safe side. Good luck!

We have a few different forms on the nursery which include, Etna, Rotundifolia and Genolia and the complicated sounding Schipkaensis. You will find these as hedging, multi stems, full standards and pleached.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.