Dwarf Cherry Laurel (prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken')

• Compact, dense, spreading evergreen shrub (typically 0.5–1 m tall × 1–1.5 m wide) with narrow, glossy dark-green leaves.
• Fragrant white flower spikes in spring, followed by red-to-black cherry-like berries that attract birds.
• RHS Award of Garden Merit; excellent for low hedges, ground cover, mass planting or borders.
• Highly versatile: tolerates full sun to full shade, most UK soils, pollution and coastal sites; low-maintenance and relatively slow-growing (10–20 cm per year).
• Hardy throughout the UK once established; drought-tolerant after the first year.

Planting summary

• When: Bare-root November–March.
• Position: Full sun to full shade; any aspect; exposed or sheltered.
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile preferred. Tolerates clay, loam, sand and chalk (may yellow on poor, shallow chalk). Improve with well-rotted compost or manure before planting.
• Spacing: 50–75 cm apart for dense low hedge/ground cover; 1.5–2 m for individual specimens.
• How to plant: Dig a hole the same depth as the root and twice as wide. Plant at the original soil level, firm well, water thoroughly and mulch (keeping mulch clear of stems).
• Aftercare: Water regularly in the first growing season until established. Apply organic mulch in spring. Lightly trim in late spring/early summer if needed to maintain shape (tolerates harder pruning).