Laurelia sempervirens
Chilean laurel
An evergreen shrub or small tree, with an upright, conical habit and broadly elliptic, serrated leaves that are glossy bright green when young, and dark green and leathery when mature. Leaves are strongly aromatic when crushed. Clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers are produced in the leaf axils in early summer
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Atherospermataceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Central and Southern Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist soil that does not dry out, in a sheltered spot in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings, taken with a heel and potted individually in sandy soil in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.