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Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cherry laurel 'Otto Luyken'

A spreading evergreen shrub to 1m tall, with dense, low growth, and narrow, glossy dark green leaves. Small, strongly fragrant white flowers in erect racemes appear in spring, followed by cherry-like red fruits turning to glossy black

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Black Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or North–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
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Its spreading habit makes it useful for low hedges and massed planting but may become chlorotic on poorer, shallow chalky soils. 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 8 including hedges in late spring or early summer

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf-mining moths

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and other laurel leaf diseases

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