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cherry laurel tree

The cherry laurel tree, known botanically as Prunus laurocerasus, is a versatile, hardy evergreen that’s prized in New Zealand gardens for its glossy foliage and ease of maintenance. Popular as a hedge, screening plant, or statement tree, the cherry laurel offers year-round structure and lush greenery. Fragrant white flower spikes appear in spring, attracting bees and pollinators, followed by glossy black berries that appeal to birds. Whether you’re shaping a formal garden or crafting a lush privacy barrier, the cherry laurel tree stands out for fast growth and tolerance to a variety of sites.

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. Reaching up to 6 metres in height and 5 metres in spread, it serves as an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen tree in New Zealand gardens. Its adaptability to various soil types and tolerance to frost make it a reliable and low-maintenance addition to your landscape.

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  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    6.00 m
  • Spread:
    5.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
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Prunus Amanogawa

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Prunus Awanui

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Prunus Falling Snow

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Prunus Felix Jury is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of large, claret-red blossoms in spring which are held as pendulous clusters...

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Prunus campanulata Superba

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Prunus laurocerasus

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Why Choose a Cherry Laurel Tree

The cherry laurel tree is ideal if you want density or year-round privacy; its thick, oval leaves create a deep green curtain along boundaries, driveways, or patios. Robust and adaptable, it thrives in sun or shade and in most well-drained soils. Its resilience makes it perfect for coastal gardens or urban settings. Cherry laurels handle pruning with ease, making them a favourite for manicured hedging or natural screens.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the best out of your cherry laurel tree, plant it in a spot with moist but well-draining soil. Water young plants deeply until established and mulch annually to conserve moisture. Prune after flowering to shape or contain it, especially if you’re using cherry laurel as a hedge. Regular trimming encourages denser growth and a neat appearance. Minimal disease issues and pest resistance make routine care simple, and once established, cherry laurels are surprisingly drought tolerant.

Perfect Partners for Year-Round Interest

Cherry laurel combines beautifully with a variety of specimen trees and shrubs for dynamic garden interest. For early spring blossom, pair with flowering cherries like the Prunus Accolade, which offers clouds of pink blooms, or the upright Prunus Amanogawa. Add contrast with the refined white petals of Prunus Falling Snow, or the unique form of Prunus Awanui.

For foliage impact, consider the vibrant layers of Acer shirasawanum 'Yasemin' or the finely cut leaves of Acer palmatum Red Feathers. Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' adds elegant variegation and horizontal structure, while vertical lines of Pittosporum Green Pillar complement the cherry laurel’s density.

Landscape Uses for Cherry Laurel

From formal hedging to informal screens or even clipped topiary, the cherry laurel tree adapts to a range of garden styles. Its robust growth and lush foliage make it perfect for windbreaks, wildlife gardens, or as a leafy backdrop for seasonal borders. Thanks to its tolerance for shade, it’s also useful under taller trees or in tricky garden spots where other shrubs struggle.

If you’re seeking a dependable evergreen that combines beauty, privacy, and low maintenance, the cherry laurel tree is a smart investment for any property. Explore our full selection to create a garden that bursts with year-round appeal and structured elegance.


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Start your garden with Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Stachys lanata, Hemerocallis Wine Delight (Wine Delight Daylily), and Michelia yunnanensis.
–The Plant Company

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