Prunus laurocerasus (Common Cherry Laurel)

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusPrunus
Specieslaurocerasus
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouthern Europe and Southwestern Asia.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-21) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)(-5) - 20
Height3-5.5 m
Spread6-7.5 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeSpecimen, tall shrub or screen.
CultivationMoist, well drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
PestsA bacterial pathogen, Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, which causes 'shothole' symptoms on the leaves of affected plants may be found on plants in some countries. Plum Pox: Symptoms may be confused with other diseases/disorders such as nutrient deficiencies or pesticide injuries. PPV symptoms can occur on leaves, flowers and/or fruit. Faint yellow rings or lines may be found on the leaves. PPV generally does not cause plant mortality however, can reduce the plant productivity and longevity. How to Reduce the Spread and Impact of PPV: 1. Propagate vulnerable Prunus trees and shrubs outside of the affected area a. Isolation is important to protect clean plants from future spread of the disease. b. Propagating and growing vulnerable plants away from the virus-infected area reduce the likelihood of the disease spreading any further. This should be as far away from the quarantined area and any potential sources of the virus. 2. Propagate Prunus plants with virus-free Budwood and Rootstock from virus tested mother trees a. This eliminates the propagation link for viral diseases. 3. Inspect vulnerable Prunus for symptoms a. All Prunus shrubs and trees should be visually inspected for symptoms at lease twice per year and conducted by trained personnel familiar with the virus. b. Any plants found to be infected should not be moved or sold and must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency immediately. c. Inspections should not be conducted in periods of hot weather (temperatures over 30?C). 4. Manage aphid vectors a. Aphids are extremely attracted to suckers (vegetative shoots at the base of the tree), these should be removed to avoid aphid colonization, feeding or migration. 5. Plant tolerant and resistant varieties a. When available, grow plum pox tolerant or resistant Prunus varieties.
Notable SpecimensStourhead Gardens, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
Leaf DescriptionDark green oblong leaves.
Flower DescriptionClusters of small cup-shaped off white flowers which emit a strong smell.

Photographs