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Prunus laurocerasus 'Castlewellan' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cherry laurel 'Castlewellan'

'Castlewellan' is a slow-growing cultivar, but will eventually form a large dense, wide-spreading bush to 5m tall. Leaves are green and grey-green, marbled with white throughout

Synonyms
Prunus laurocerasus 'Marbled White'
Prunus laurocerasus 'Variegata' misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Grey Silver White Variegated
Summer Green Grey Silver White Variegated
Autumn Green Grey Silver White Variegated Black Red
Winter Green Grey Silver White Variegated
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Leaves and fruit may be harmful if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus

Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in any moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade, but may become chlorotic on poorer, shallow chalky soils; ideal for hedging. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 8, prune hedges in late spring and early summer

Pests

Leaves may be damaged by vine weevil and leaf-mining moths

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases

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