Laurelia sempervirens

RHS Plant Profile
Chilean laurel

Other common names

Peruvian nutmeg, tepa

Synonyms

Laurelia serrata

Trees Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Atherospermataceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
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