Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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 (Cherry Laurel) is a vigorous evergreen shrub admired for its lush glossy foliage and excellent screening qualities. This hardy plant produces dense green leaves year round, creating an attractive backdrop for gardens and landscapes throughout New Zealand.

prunus-laurocerasus-3
  • 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
prunus-accolade-
Most Popular Prunus 'Accolade'

Prunus 'Accolade' is a spectacular flowering cherry prized for its masses of soft pink blossom that appear in early spring before or alongside the...

From$387.55
prunus-amanogawa-
Most Popular Prunus 'Amanogawa'

Prunus 'Amanogawa' is a narrow upright flowering cherry that brings elegant spring colour to New Zealand gardens. Its masses of fragrant soft pink...

From$387.55
prunus-awanui-3
Most Popular Prunus 'Awanui'

Prunus 'Awanui' is a beautiful flowering cherry that delivers an outstanding display of blossom each spring, making it a favourite for New Zealand...

From$387.55
prunus-falling-snow-
Most Popular Prunus 'Falling Snow'

Prunus 'Falling Snow' is an elegant flowering cherry that produces masses of brilliant white blossoms in spring, creating a spectacular display in...

From$387.55
prunus-felix-jury-
Most Popular Prunus 'Felix Jury'

Prunus 'Felix Jury' is a stunning flowering cherry renowned for its spectacular display of large double pink blossoms in spring. The abundant flowers...

From$494.05
Liquidambar 'Worpleston' trees bordering a driveway to create a lovely avenue feel.
Most Popular Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon'

Liquidambar 'Worplesdon' bears star-shaped leaves which emerge a rich, dark green in spring. As autumn progresses, the leaves turn golden yellow and...

From$376.90
A Quercus palustris specimen tree with yellow and orange autumn foliage.
Most Popular Quercus palustris

Quercus palustris, commonly known as Pin Oak or Swamp Oak, is a popular, medium-sized, deciduous tree featuring impressive autumn colours. The...

From$192.51
carpinus-betulus-4
Most Popular Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Most Popular Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
magnolia-honey-tulip-1
Most Popular Magnolia 'Honey Tulip'

Magnolia 'Honey Tulip' is an outstanding deciduous tree renowned for its rich golden yellow, tulip shaped flowers that appear in early spring before...

From$515.35
Prunus laurocerasus

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Prunus or Flowering Cherry Tree. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like prunus laurocerasus cherry laurel tree, and cherry laurel hedge plants.

Search Prunus laurocerasus

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.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews