Laurel (prunus laurocerasus)

• Popular evergreen shrub ideal for dense hedging and screening in UK gardens.
• Fast-growing (up to 60cm per year), providing quick privacy, wind protection, and noise reduction.
• Large, glossy dark green leaves offer year-round interest; produces fragrant white spring flowers and red-to-black berries (attractive to birds but with toxic seeds).
• Highly tolerant of shade (including deep shade), urban pollution, and hard pruning (regenerates well from old wood).
• Hardy across most of the UK; holds RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable performance.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Autumn to early spring; container-grown plants can be planted year-round if watered well, but avoid frost or extreme heat.
• Site: Full sun to deep shade; any aspect.
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile; tolerates clay, loam, or sand but avoid waterlogged or very shallow chalky soils (may cause chlorosis).
• Spacing for hedging: 45-60cm apart for quicker density; up to 90cm for slower fill.
• Preparation: Dig a hole twice the rootball width, incorporate compost or organic matter; plant at same depth as in the nursery (soil mark on stem).
• Aftercare: Water thoroughly in first year, especially dry spells; mulch to retain moisture; feed with balanced fertiliser in spring if needed.
• Note: All parts toxic if ingested. Prune in spring or late summer with secateurs.