Cherry Laurel: A Dense Evergreen Shrub for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
Looking for an evergreen shrub that can handle tough conditions while providing year-round privacy? Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) might catch your eye with its glossy leaves and reliable growth habit. This Mediterranean native has found its way into gardens across the Pacific Northwest and California, though it’s worth understanding both its benefits and considerations before planting.
What is Cherry Laurel?
Cherry laurel is a perennial, multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows less than 13-16 feet in height, though it can get taller under ideal conditions. Don’t let the name fool you – while it’s called cherry laurel, it’s actually in the cherry family (Prunus) rather than being a true laurel. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonyms Cerasus laurocerasus or Laurocerasus officinalis in older gardening references.
Where Does Cherry Laurel Grow?
Originally from southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, cherry laurel has established itself as a non-native species in parts of North America. You’ll find it growing in British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington, where it reproduces on its own and persists in the wild.
Why Gardeners Choose Cherry Laurel
There are several reasons why cherry laurel appeals to gardeners:
- Evergreen screening: Dense, glossy dark green leaves provide year-round privacy
- Spring beauty: Fragrant white flower clusters appear in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Versatile use: Works well for hedging, foundation planting, or as a specimen shrub
- Formal appearance: Takes pruning well and maintains a neat, structured look
Growing Cherry Laurel Successfully
Cherry laurel is generally easy to grow in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. Here’s what you need to know:
Light and Soil Requirements
This adaptable shrub thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It’s quite forgiving of different soil types once established, making it suitable for urban landscapes and challenging growing spots.
Planting and Care Tips
- Water regularly during the first year to help establish strong roots
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape and size
- Protect from harsh, drying winds in colder climates
- Once established, it becomes quite drought tolerant
Garden Design Ideas
Cherry laurel works well in formal gardens, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and urban settings where you need reliable evergreen structure. It’s particularly useful for creating privacy screens or formal hedges that can be maintained at various heights. The spring flowers add seasonal interest, followed by small black berries that wildlife may enjoy.
Things to Consider
Since cherry laurel is non-native to North America, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Some excellent native options include:
- Pacific wax myrtle (Morella californica) for California gardens
- Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) for Pacific Northwest landscapes
- Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) for drought-tolerant California gardens
The Bottom Line
Cherry laurel can be a reliable, low-maintenance choice for gardeners needing evergreen screening and formal structure. While it’s not native to North America, it offers practical benefits in the right setting. Just remember to consider native alternatives that might provide similar functions while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. Whatever you choose, the key to success is matching the plant to your specific site conditions and maintenance preferences.
