How to Grow Cherry Laurel
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Cherry Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus
shrubCherry laurel is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and small white flowers followed by black berries. It's commonly used for hedging, screening, and ornamental landscaping due to its dense foliage and year-round appeal. The plant is hardy, adaptable, and relatively low-maintenance once established.
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Example Cherry Laurel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cherry Laurel
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cherry Laurel
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10, with best performance in zones 7-9
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Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung shrub with developing root system; green growth emerges from branches
Water regularly (2-3 times weekly), maintain consistent moisture, protect from harsh wind, apply mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning in first year.
Vegetative Growth
6-18 monthsDense branching develops; glossy evergreen foliage expands, plant fills out its shape
Continue regular watering, light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring, prune to shape as needed, remove any dead or damaged branches
Flowering
2-4 weeksSmall white or cream-colored flower spikes appear among foliage, typically fragrant
Generally flowers in spring (April-May in Northern Hemisphere); minimal intervention needed, avoid heavy pruning during flowering to preserve blooms
Fruiting & Seed Development
3-6 monthsFlowers fade; small green berries form and gradually ripen to black, remaining ornamental on the plant
Berries persist for months; can be left for wildlife appeal or removed if desired. Apply balanced fertilizer to support fruit development if desired.
Maintenance & Maturity
OngoingFully established shrub with dense evergreen foliage, annual flowering and fruiting cycles established
Prune annually in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage density; fertilize once yearly in spring; monitor for pests and diseases
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly for brown bumps on stems/undersides of leaves; spray with horticultural oil in late winter or early spring; remove heavily infested branches
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Increase humidity by misting foliage, prune affected areas, use miticide if severe; usually more problematic in hot, dry conditions
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Remove and destroy infested branches immediately, maintain plant health through proper watering and pruning, no chemical control recommended
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning; encourage natural predators; usually short-lived infestations
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Prune out affected foliage, improve air circulation through pruning, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Privacy screening and hedging
HouseholdFast-growing evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy screens and windbreaks. The dense branching habit makes it ideal for creating living hedges and boundary plantings. [source]
Food source for birds
WildlifeThe black berries produced in summer and fall are eaten by various bird species, making cherry laurel valuable for supporting local wildlife. The dense foliage also provides shelter for birds. [source]
Floral arrangements and foliage cuttings
CraftThe glossy, attractive leaves are popular in floral arrangements and work well in fresh or dried displays. Branches can be cut year-round for decorative purposes. [source]
Ornamental landscaping
HouseholdUsed as specimen plants, foundation plantings, and massed plantings in gardens and landscapes. The evergreen foliage and seasonal flowers provide visual interest throughout the year. [source]
Traditional herbal preparations (external use only)
MedicinalHistorically used in some traditional medicine systems for external applications; however, berries and seeds are toxic if ingested. Modern use is not recommended without professional guidance due to toxicity concerns. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cherry laurel is not typically harvested for culinary use (berries are toxic to humans). Ornamentally, foliage can be cut for arrangements year-round. Berries can be left on plant for winter interest or wildlife. Prune strategically in late winter/early spring to shape the plant and remove deadwood.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cherry laurel leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic to humans and pets if ingested; the berries are also poisonous and should never be eaten, despite their attractive appearance.
- 🌱 The plant is native to Southeast Europe and Asia Minor and has naturalized in many parts of the world, including becoming invasive in some regions like New Zealand and parts of California.
- 🌱 Cherry laurel grows extremely fast—some varieties can grow 2-3 feet per year—making it one of the quickest ways to establish a privacy screen or hedge on a property.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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