Prunus caroliniana ( Carolina Laurel-Cherry )
A very fast growing, upright, small, evergreen tree reaching up to 30 feet or sometimes more that is native to the southern U.S. from eastern Texas to North Carolina and south.
Native to coastal parts of North Carolina, it has now naturalized as far inland as Raleigh. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 12 feet; 20 years - 40 x 27 feet; largest on record - 60 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet. It is often used for screening.
The smooth to serrate-edged, elliptical leaves, up to 5 x 2 inches, are glossy, bright to later deep green.
The tiny, fragrant, creamy white flowers are massed densely in racemes, up to 3 inches long, that appear during early spring.
They are followed by dry, shiny, black, oblong fruits up to 0.5 inches in length. The fruits are not edible.
The gray bark is smooth on young trees but later becoming roughened.
The Carolina Laurel-Cherry is closely related to Prunus laurocerasus and is similarly used as a hedge, often far north of its native range. Planted 8 feet apart, it may form a solid wall of privacy in 1 year. It also makes for a handsome street tree.
Hardy north to zone 6b ( possibly even zone 6a ) if protected from winter winds, on more average sites it is hardy from zones 7 to 11 in sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, acidic, well drained soil. It grows in Dayton, Ohio with only minor winter leaf burn. The Carolina Laurel-Cherry is very prone to chlorosis on alkaline soil, is not tolerant of salt or poor drainage and can be killed by drought. It is tolerant of clay ( if well drained ) and urban conditions. Carolina Laurel-Cherry is rarely bothered by insect pests or disease. Propagation is from hardwood cuttings during winter or seed sown during autumn.
* photos taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photo taken by W.D. Brush @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
'Bright n Tight'
Very fast growing ( up to 3 feet per year ), dense and upright, reaching an average of 20 feet at 20 years, making a great screen.
The leaves are smaller than average for the species, giving it a finer texture. The foliage is glossy deep green.
* photos taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC
* photos taken on Apr 20 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Center Court'
Moderate growing, dense and pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 30 x 15 feet in 20 years.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 7 to 9
‘Whit XXXIV’
Dense, singly trunked and upright in habit, averaging 9 feet in 8 years, 20 x 12 feet in 15 years, eventually larger.
The oval leaves average 2.8 x 1.3" in size. The foliage is glossy deep green.
This cultivar has superior cold tolerance, surviving as low as -18 F. It originated as the lone survivor of the extreme January 2021 coldwave which killed the entire remainder of a seed plot at Stillwater, OK. It has no damage, retaining all leaves, no scorched leaf margins and no twig dieback
Prunus ilicifolia ( Hollyleaf Cherry )
A moderate growing, dense, medium sized, evergreen tree native from Californias central coast south to Baja, that can reach up to 40 feet or sometimes more. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 4 feet; largest on record - 60 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.6 feet. It is long lived, reaching up to 100 years or more in age.
It is often a shrub in the wild where it is often found growing in far less than ideal conditions.
The evergreen foliage is leathery and "Holly-like" with spiny edges and up to 5 x 1.5 inches in size. The leaves are glossy, deep green all year.
The 0.5 inch creamy white flowers are massed in racemes up to 2 inches in length during early spring.
They are followed by thin fleshed, red to black fruits up to 0.7 inches wide that ripen late in autumn, often persisting over the winter.
The bark is reddish-brown and fissured.
Hardy zones 7 to 11 tolerating as low as 0 F and is drought tolerant, surviving without irrigation where annual rainfall is as low as 26 inches. The Hollyleaf Cherry can be expected to also grow well in the southern U.S.
* photo taken by Jean Pawek @ CalPhotos
* historic archive photos
* photo taken by Albert Everett Wieslander and the Marian Koshland Bioscience and Natural Resources Library
Prunus laurocerasus ( Cherry Laurel )
An evergreen large shrub or tree native to southern Europe and western Asia; Cherry Laurel is a very popular hedge plant in both its native range and in North America. It has naturalized in the British Isles and much of western Europe. Left to grow on its own; the Cherry laurel typically grows at a moderate pace and forms a small tree to 25 feet or more. On ideal sites it can grow fast and also much larger, records include: growth rate - 4 feet! 20 years - 40 x 40 feet; largest ever recorded - 60 x 101 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 feet. In the U.S. this tree grows equally well in both the hot humid east and the cool summers of the Pacific Northwest.
The smooth, leathery foliage is glossy, very dark green above, light green below. The leaves are up to 10 x 3 ( rarely over 8 x 2.3 ) inches in size. The foliage is not liked by the Japanese Beetle due to its high cyanide content.
The leaves, shoots and seeds are also poisonous to humans.
The creamy-white flowers are borne on racemes up to 7 inches long, during mid-spring.
They are followed by purple-black berries, up to 0.4 inches in size, during summer.
The bark is dark grayish-brown.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in sun to partial shade but is also tolerant of deep shade. It grows well in most well drained soils except for shallow alkaline soil and can be prone to mildew and leaf spot in some locations ( generally NOT a problem in the Mid Atlantic U.S. ). Drought and wind tolerant especially if grown on deep, rich, acidic loamy soil. They do not enjoy road salt. Most species can be used as a hedge but it is recommended to use pruners rather than shear as cutting the foliage can result in ugly brown tips. If it grows too large; the Cherry Laurel can be cut back hard in late spring just before the new growth begins. Deer do NOT eat the foliage.
Propagated from seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer and layering.
* photo of unknown source on internet
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on June 6 2010 in Columbia, MD
'Antonius'
Vigorous and upright in habit, reaching up to 6.5 x 3 feet in 4 years, eventually up to 10 x 5 feet. It originates from Hungary.
The very attractive foliage is bronze-red at first, turning to glossy deep green. The elliptical leaves are up to 6 x 1.6 inches in size.
Hardy zones 6 to 8, it has superior resistance to leaf shot fungus.
* patent photo
'Caucasica'
Resembling Skip Laurel in habit, it forms a fast growing, upright large shrub to small tree, reaching up to 17 x 13 feet in just 10 years, 20 x 15 feet in 15 years, eventually more.
The large, ovate to oblong leaves are up to 7 x 3 inches in size. The foliage is glossy bright green, later turning to very deep green.
The abundant, white flowers are borne on erect racemes.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in partial shade.
'Cherry Ruffles'
A fast growing, dense, upright, rounded large shrub, reaching up to 15 x 10 feet in 15 years. It is fast growing, often increasing at 2 feet per year.
The ruffled, bronze foliage turns to glossy deep green.
The very fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear during late spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 8
* photos taken on Sep 10 2023 @ Smithsonian Institute, Wash., DC
Chestnut Hill'
Compact and rounded in habit, reaching up to 2 x 2.5 feet in 5 years, eventually up to 4 x 4 feet. It makes a great foundation plant or low hedge.
The narrow foliage is glossy deep green. The narrowly elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 1.2 inches in size.
Hardy zones 6 to 8. It has superior resistance to shot hole disease.
* photos taken on Sep 19 2021 in Laurel, MD
* photo taken on May 25 2023 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Sep 10 2023 @ Smithsonian Institute, Wash., DC
* patent photo
'Enno Luyken'
Similar to 'Otto Luyken' however this one is very columnar in habit, rather than spreading.
The narrow-elliptical leaves are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 8.
'Etna'
A slow growing, upright, rounded shrub, reaching up to 11.5 x 8 ( rarely over 6.5 x 5 ) feet in size though there are reports of as much as 30 feet.
The broadly-oval to obovate leaves are rich orange-bronze at first, transitioning to glossy bright green then to deep green.
The white flowers are borne on abundant short spikes.
Hardy zones 5b to 8, it is exceptionally resistant to winter sun scald.
* photo taken on Apr 28 2015 in Mt Airy, MD
* photo taken on Oct 9 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Dec 1 2017 in Columbia, MD
'Forest Green'
Dense and broad-spreading, reaching up to 6.7 x 7 feet in 8 years; eventually slightly more.
The foliage is glossy blackish-green.
Exceptionally hardy with no winter foliage burn even after -15 F.
* photos taken on Mar 26 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 15 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on June 14 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 25 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 6 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Sep 13 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 20 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 16 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 7 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 21 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 26 2023 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 5 2023 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Nov 15 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Gajo'
Also called 'Napoleon'. A mutation of 'Otto Luyken', it forms a very compact, upright, dense, mounded to rounded shrub, reaching only up to 1.5 x 1.4 feet in 4 years, eventually to 2.6 x 3.3 feet in size.
The small, lance-shaped leaves, up to 2 x 0.6 inches in size, are very glossy, very deep green.
The white flowers are borne on abundant upright panicles up to 3.3 x 1 inch in size..
They are followed by purplish-black berries.
Hardy zones 5 to 8.
* photo taken on June 13 2024 in Howard Co., MD
* patent photos
'Greenfinity'
Moderate growing, compact and upright, rounded to vase-shaped, reaching up to 1.8 x 1.7 feet in 2 years, to 8 x 6 feet in 10 years, eventually slightly more. It makes a great medium height unsheared hedge.
The elliptical foliage is glowing yellowish-green at first, turning to glossy mid-green. The obovate leaves are up to 4.3 x 1.8 inches in size.
It is an exceptionally hardy form, surviving north to zone 5.
* photo taken on Sep 4 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* photos taken on Oct 2 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* patent photo
'Green Goblet'
Moderate growing, dense and mounding in habit, reaching up to 2.4 x 2.5 feet in 2 years, 2.5 x 3.5 feet in 10 years, eventually up to 4 x 5 feet. The average growth rate is 8 inches.
The glossy foliage is bronze-red then yellowish-green during spring, turing to deep green. The elliptical to obovate leaves average 3.5 x 1.6 inches in size.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, it is exceptionally cold hardy.
* photo taken on Sep 20 2023 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on June 13 2024 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on Sep 4 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* patent photo
'Greentorch'
Fast growing ( up to 1.4 feet per year ) and upright, columnar to oval in habit, reaching up to 4.5 x 2 feet in 3 years, eventually to 10 x 4 feet. It originated as a seedling of 'Otto Luyken'.
The thick, deeply veined, foliage is very glossy, deep green. The obovate leaves are up to 4.2 x 1.6 inches in size.
Hardy zones 5b to 8 ( has been reported to tolerate -20 F without damage ). It has superior disease resistance.
'Herbergii'
A moderate growing, dense, broad-pyramidal shrub, reaching up to 13 x 10 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 6.5 feet.
The narrrow-elliptical leaves, up to 5.5 x 1.5 inches in size, are glossy bright green later turning to deep green.
The white flowers are borne on very showy, upright panicles up to 8 inches long.
Hardy zones 5b to 8.
'Ivory'
Vigorous and upright, oval in habit, it can reach up to 1.5 x 0.8 feet during the first season, and grow at a rate up to 1.7 feet per year until it reaches around 10 feet in height.
The very attractive foliage is deep green and heavily splashed pure white. The obovate leaves are up to 5.2 x 2 inches in size.
The white flowers appear during late spring.
Hardy zones 5b to 8
'Jade Enchantress'
Moderate growing, dense, upright, rounded to vase-shaped in habit, reaching up to 2.2 x 2.2 feet in 3 years, eventually up to 3 x 6 feet. It originated as a mutation on Prunus laurocerasus ‘Majestic Jade’.
The elliptical leaves are up to 4.2 x 1 inch in size. The foliage is glossy deep green.
The white flowers are borne on racemes up to 3.2 x 2 inches in size, during late spring. The flowers and fruits are sparse on this cultivar.
Hardy zones 6 to 9, it has superior resistance to shot hole disease when compared to 'Otto Luyken'.
* patent photo
'Kleopatra'
A vigorous, but compact, arching to spreading shrub, reaching up to 5 x 6.5 feet, originating in Hungary.
The large, oblong to elliptical leaves are coppery-orange at first, later turning to rich deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 8.
* photo taken on Nov 28 2024 in Wilkes-Barre, PA
'Magnifolia'
The "Cherry Laurel on Steroids"; not often seen in the U.S. and it does need alot of space to grow. If you have the room this shrub is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. It is spectacular! It grows very fast ( record growth rate - 5 feet ) and has very large tropical looking foliage up to 12 x 5 inches in size. The foliage is very glossy blackish-green.
Known to reach 16 x 18 feet in 20 years and eventually as large as 47 x 50 feet as a tree.
Hardy zones 6a to 8.
'Majestic Jade'
Rapid growing and upright, reaching up to 6.7 x 6.7 feet in 8 years; 8 feet in 10 years, eventually to 12 x 11 feet. It originated as a seedling of 'Otto Luyken' that was selected by world famous horticulturalist 'Michael Dirr'. The foliage is very glossy, deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 8, it has superior shot hole resistance..
* photos taken on May 19 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 6 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on Dec 6 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on June 21 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 24 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 11 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 19 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 3 2019 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on Feb 14 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 5 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 30 2021 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Oct 21 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 29 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 26 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Marbled White'
Also called 'Castewellan'. Fast growing, dense, vase-shaped and upright, reaching up to 20 x 17 ( rarely over 12 ) feet.
The very attractive foliage is very heavily splashed creamy-white.
Hardy zones 6a to 8.
'Mano'
A slow growing, compact, rounded shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 6.5 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 32 inches.
The broad-elliptical leaves, up to 2.4 x 1.3 inches in size, are bronzy-green at first, turning to glossy deep green.
The white flowers are followed by purplish-black berries.
Hardy zones 5b to 8.
'Mt. Vernon'
A very low, wide-spreading form, reaching up to 2 x 8 feet in size. It is great for mass groundcover plants.
The foliage resembles that of the species but is smaller ( up to 5 x 2.8 inches in size ). The oblong to obovate leaves are glossy bright green, later turning to mid to deep green.
It rarely self seeds unlike the species and many other cultivars.
Hardy zones 6b to 8.
* photos taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
'Nero'
Fast growing, and rounded in habit, reaching up to 6.5 x 10 feet in 4 years, eventually much larger.
The oblong leaves are up to 3 x 0.8 inches in size. The foliage is yellowish-green at first, turning to glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 8, possibly even colder.
* patent photos
'Novita'
A fast growing, upright, rounded shrub, reaching up to 13 x 10 feet in 10 years, eventually 13 x 13 feet. It makes an excellent screen.
The broad-obovate leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are very glossy bright green, later turning to deep green.
The large berries are black.
Hardy zones 5b to 8.
'Otto Luyken' ( Otto Luyken Laurelcherry )
A dwarf and dense, bushy form; though even still it can eventually become a medium-size shrub and unless meticulously pruned, often outgrows the often inappropriate places it is planted. With a medium growth rate; it can reach up to 8 x 12 feet with great age however it can be kept much lower with pruning and is often kept maintained as a hedge around 4 or 5 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 6 feet.
The deep glossy green foliage is narrower and smaller ( up to 4 x 1 inches in size ) than the species.
Flowering is heavy and it is recommend to dead head blooms for the first 2 years after planting to speed up establishment and early growth.
Hardy zones 6 to 8
* photos taken in Howard County, MD on July 2009
* photo taken on April 6 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on April 17 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 2011 in Ellicott City, MD
* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photo taken on May 5 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 20 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 16 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Jan 21 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 29 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Dec 28 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 24 2019 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Sep 3 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Apr 23 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Parkway'
Very attractive, dense, and rapid growing to 15 x 15 feet. Pyramidal in habit when young, later becoming rounded.
The huge, glossy black-green leaves, up to 8 inches in length, resemble that of the Southern Magnolia and it keeps that color during the winter with no blemishes. It is a great screening plant and is hardy from zones 6a to 9
'Piranha'
A vigorous, spreading shrub, reaching up to 5 x 8 feet, that is an offspring of 'Otto Luyken'.
The broad-elliptical leaves, up to 3.5 inches in length, have a sharply-toothed margin unlike the species.
The glossy foliage is bright green at first, later turning to deep green.
The showy white flowers are borne on abundant panicles.
Hardy zones 6a to 8, very disease resistant. It is very resistant to shot hole disease.
'Renault Lace'
Fast growing, compact and broad-upright, reaching up to 8 x 6.5 feet in 10 years, eventually to 10 x 8 feet. It makes a great hedge.
The narrow, elliptical leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are very glossy bright green, turning to mid-green. The leaves are twice the size of 'Otto Luyken'.
The white flowers are borne on upright racemes.
Hardy zones 6a to 8 ( tolerating -11 F or possibly colder ).
'Skipkaensis' ( Skip Laurel )
An excellent evergreen screening plant; it grows fast reaching up to 10 x 6 feet in 5 years and after many years to 22 x 15 feet though it can be sheared and pruned to stay as low as 7 to 8 feet. I have seen this plant grow up to 3 feet per year and it should not be used in confined spaces where smaller growing varieties are better suited.
The foliage is bright green at first, later turning to deep green. The leaves are narrower than the species; up to 7 x 1.8 inches in size.
Originating from the Balkan region of Europe; this is the hardiest cultivar and may even grow in protected locations such as courtyards as far north as zone 5.
* photo taken on July 2009 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken in Columbia, MD on April 23 2010
* photo taken on Mar 26 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on April 15 2012 in Bethesda, MD
* photo taken on May 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 5 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Jul 20 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Jan 1 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 20 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 21 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 30 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 1 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 21 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 29 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 13 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 12 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 2 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 21 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Apr 7 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Apr 20 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 27 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 31 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Apr 22 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Jan 20 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 21 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 21 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 3 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Volcano'
Moderate growing, compact and upright, rounded to vase-shaped, reaching up to 2 x 1.7 feet in 2 years, to 5 x 4 feet in 10 years, eventually slightly more. It makes a great hedge.
The oval foliage is deep coppery-red at first, turning to very glossy deep green. The obovate leaves average 3.5 x 1.7 inches in size.
It is an exceptionally hardy form, surviving north to zone 5a.
* photo taken on Sep 4 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* photo taken on Oct 2 2024 in Burtonsville, MD
* photos taken on Nov 1 2024 in Ellicott City, MD
'Zabeliana' ( Zabel Laurel Cherry )
A hardy low growing, spreading, open habit cultivar suited for groundcover purposes; a single plant can reach up to 3 x 8 feet in 4 years, 4 x 10 feet in 10 years. 5.3 feet in 20 years, and eventually 7 x 26 feet!
The glossy deep green foliage is narrow and this cultivar blooms heavily. The leaves are up to 5 x 1.2 inches in size.
Hardy zones 6 to 8.
* photos taken on Mar 22 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 3 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photos taken on Aug 11 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 18 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Nov 19 2016 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photo taken on Oct 1 2017 in Laurel, MD
'Zita'
Bushy and spreading in habit, reaching up to 2.8 x 6.5 feet in 10 years, eventually larger. It will likely be used in the same way as the more familiar Otto Luyken cultivar.
The very attractive foliage is bronze-red at first, turning to glossy deep green. The elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 1.2 inches in size.
Hardy zones 6 to 8, it is a product of an excellent breeding program in Szombathely, Hungary producing many superior cold hardy Laurels. It has superior disease resistance.
* patent photos
Prunus lusitanica ( Portugal Laurel )
A native of the Iberian peninsula of Europe where it is nearly extinct in the wild; interestingly it is an invasive weed in New Zealand. It was originally found in much of Portugal, Spain and southwestern France, it has become naturalized locally in western France and milder parts of the British Isles where it is often used for hedging. Growing very lush and dense; the Portugal Laurel is typically a moderate growing, evergreen tree reaching up to 30 feet if not sheared. After many years on ideal sites, it can grow quite large. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 20 years - 60 x 20 feet; largest ever recorded - 70 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The toothed, oblanceolate to ovate leaves are up to 7 x 3 inches in size. The foliage is glossy, very deep green above, yellowish-green beneath. They are borne on reddish stalks ( stalk of related P. laurocerasus are yellow-green ).
The very fragrant, creamy white flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne in panicles up to 10 inches long, during early summer ( the bloom season occurs a bit later than the closely related Prunus laurocerasus ).
They are followed by small, 0.5 inch wide, deep purple cherries.
The blackish bark is smooth, becoming scaly on very old trees.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( tolerating as low as -10 F ) on any well drained soil in sun or shade. The Portual Laurel makes an excellent windbreak or tall hedge and is wind, salt spray and drought resistant.
Informal hedges can be cut back in spring ( look best if cut back with pruners and not sheared ). The Portugal Laurel also looks great trained as a tree making an excellent focal point for small yards. This type of pruning is simple; train to a single leader when young and shorten and thin side branches, gradually removing lower limbs are the tree grows in size. Pruning is best done in March.
* photos taken on March 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on May 8 2010 of sheared plants in Bethesda, MD
* photos taken on Nov 18 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Apr 26 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photos taken on Feb 13 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Mar 20 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Apr 12 2021 in Columbia, MD
* historical archive photo
'Azorica'
Native to forests of the Azores Islands. The broader foliage is red when young turning to glossy bright green. Also has few flowers in racemes that are upright instead of spreading. Hardy from zones 7 to 9
'Variegata'
One of the most beautiful or all variegated plants. The glossy dark green foliage is edged white, often turning pinkish in winter. Vigorous growing, it can become a tree up to 33 feet in height if not sheared.
* photos taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Prunus lyonii ( Catalina Cherry )
A small, stocky, rapid growing, dense canopied, evergreen tree related to Prunus ilicifolia, that is only native to the Catalina Islands off the coast of southern California though is an excellent ornamental tree or hedge far beyond its native range. Typically reaching 30 feet, some records include: largest on record - 75 x 55 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.2 feet.
The ovate, wavy margiined, deep green, evergreen leaves are up to 5 inches in length and only occasionally toothed unlike the similar Prunus ilicifolia.
The 0.3 inch, white flowers are borne in racemes up to 6 inches in length in mid to late spring. They are followed by purple cherries up to 1.2 inches wide that are thick fleshed and delicious.
The bark is reddish-brown.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in sun or partial shade and commonly cultivated in California. It is very drought tolerant.
* historical archive photos
Prunus myrtifolia ( Myrtle Cherry )
A tropical, rapid growing, evergreen Cherry that is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean and Brazil. Typically a small tree, the largest on record is 53 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet.
The elliptical, smooth margined foliage is deep, glossy green and up to 5 x 1.5 inches in size.
The tiny, 0.1 inch flowers are borne in short racemes in late autumn.
The round, dry, orange fruits are up to 0.5 inches in width.
The bark is smooth and light brown.
Hardy zones 10 and warmer. Endangered in the U.S. it is not generally bothered by pests and is easy to grow in sun or shade in southern Florida.
Prunus zippeliana ( Laurocerasus )
A close relative of Prunus laurocerasus, forming a large, evergreen tree, to 50 ( rarely 100 ) feet, that is native from southwest to central & eastern China, Japan & northern Vietnam. Some records include: largest on record - 117 feet with a trunk diameter of 5.5 feet. Moderately long-lived, it is known to persist for as long as 320 years.
The elliptical leaves are up to 8 x 3 inches in size. The foliage is glossy deep green above, bright green beneath.
The white flowers are borne in narrow clusters in Autumn.
The attractive, exfoliating bark is reddish in color.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.
* excellent photo link
http://hana.dracaenaflower.com/bakuti6.jpg
ADDITIONAL CULTIVARS
https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP26206P2/en
https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP26314P2/en
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