Broadleaf Evergreens: Prunus (Laurel)

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Prunus laurocerasus

English or Cherry Laurel is a vigorous evergreen large shrub or small tree with large, dark green, glossy leathery leaves. Creamy-white, fragrant flowers are borne on upright racemes (5-7.5cm long) in mid-spring. Small, black fruit (drupe) are produced in mid/late summer (not edible). A useful hedging alternative. Tolerant to pruning.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Genolia'

Genolia English Laurel is a very hardy Swiss selection that is very suitable as hedging. It has a strong upright habit without shearing and is snow "tolerant". The glossy dark green foliage is quite elongated.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'

Otto Luyken English Laurel is a compact, broadly spreading cultivar with narrow, glossy dark green leaves. The leaves are angled to the stem at 45-60 degrees, making the leaves point up, a characteristic of this cultivar. Small, upright racemes with white cup-shaped, fragrant flowers are followed by, mostly hidden, purplish to black fruit (drupes) that are not edible. Great foundation plant or hedge. Tolerates shade.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Reynvaanii'

Russian Laurel is hardy, upright and grows fast. Its deep green, broad foliage is slightly serrated. White flower spikes. Ideal for medium and tall hedges. More tolerant of weather conditions than English Laurel. Black berries are not edible.

Prunus lusitanica

Portugal Laurel is a small to medium sized shrub or tree with thick, ovate-lanceolate, toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. White racemes of hawthorn-scented flowers in May followed by red fruit turning dark purple. A good hedging plant or possibly, as a specimen tree. More tolerant of heat, sun and wind than English laurel.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'

Zabel Cherry Laurel is a small, spreading shrub with dense, horizontal branching. Dark green, narrow, willow-like leaves are perpendicular and slightly drooping on the stem. White flowers on upright panicles producing round, black fruit. Used extensively in landscaping for mass planting as a tall groundcover, even under the shade and drip of trees.