SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prunus caroliniana

COMMON NAME: Cherry Laurel

GARDEN SIZE: 15 to 20 feet tall x 10 to 15 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 7 to 10

EXPOSURE: Full Sun to Part Shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overhead watering due to shothole fungus.

HABIT (FORM): Broadleaf evergreen; upright tree or large shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; glossy, lanceolate-oblong dark green leaves

FLOWERS: Fragrant white flowers bloom from February to April in dense racemes, followed by showy green fruits that ripen from reddish-purple to shiny black

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeastern United States, south of Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May be a host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Apply evergreen fertilizer in the spring and fall.

PRUNING: Minimal pruning recommended. If pruning is needed, hand pruning is suggested for better appearance.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Specimen, Screening, Foundation Planting, Hedge