SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'

COMMON NAME: Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel

GARDEN SIZE: 3 to 4 feet tall x 6 to 8 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 to 9

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): Dense, spreading shrub with compact growth

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; glossy, dark green leaves

FLOWERS: Fragrant, showy, creamy white flower spikes bloom in spring (April to May), followed by small black ornamental fruit

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

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