Height30-50cm

Decrease quantity Increase quantity

Add to cart

Evergreen with glossy dark green leaves on attractive reddish/plum stems. Forms a dense, refined formal hedge or screen; more compact and elegant than cherry laurel. Moderate growth (typically 20–45 cm per year) makes it easier to maintain.

Tolerant of most soils (including chalk), sun or partial shade, and fully hardy across most of the UK. Provides year-round privacy, wildlife value (flowers for pollinators, berries for birds), and responds well to pruning/topiary.

Key planting points

• Best time: Late autumn to early spring.
• Position: Full sun to partial shade; most UK sites except extremely cold/exposed or waterlogged areas. Avoid salt spray.
• Soil: Moist but well-drained; tolerates clay, loam, sand, and chalk. Improve poor/sandy or heavy soil with organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure).
• Spacing for hedges: 45–60 cm apart (approx. 2–3 plants per metre) in a single row for a dense screen.
• Planting method: Dig a hole/trench the depth of the roots. Place plant at the same depth as in the nursery, backfill, firm well, water thoroughly, and mulch.
• Aftercare: Water regularly in the first 1–2 years during dry spells until established. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant. Feed in spring if needed. Trim in late spring/early summer (or after flowering) to maintain shape and density.
• Note: Leaves and berries are toxic if ingested (keep away from pets/children).