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Prunus laurocerasus Etna ('Anbri'PBR)
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cherry laurel [Etna]

Compact, bushy and upright, evergreen shrub, to 5m tall. Oblong leaves to 11cm long are orange-bronze when young becoming glossy dark green. Masses of fragrant white flowers in upright racemes 5-12cm long in mid and late spring are followed by cherry-like red fruits, ripening to black

Synonyms
Prunus laurocerasus 'Anbri'PBR
Prunus laurocerasus 'Etna'
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Bronze Orange
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green Red Black
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Seed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade, excellent for hedging but may become chlorotic in shallow chalk soil. 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 evergreen hedges in late spring or early summer

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf mining moths

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and laurel leaf diseases

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