SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prunus laurocerasus 'Szofi', PP33,411

COMMON NAME: Sofia Dwarf English Laurel

GARDEN SIZE: 3 to 6 feet tall by 3 to 5 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 6 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full sun to shade

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

HABIT (FORM): Broad, compact, dense, rounded to upright evergreen shrub with short internodes and strong branching

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; dense, glossy dark green, narrow leaves

FLOWERS: Fragrant, small white flowers bloom in clusters in late spring, followed by small black drupes

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