Laurel Trees | Prunus lusitanica | laurocerasus

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Choosing Laurel trees In springtime, pretty clusters of flowers accompany the lovely, green foliage of our Laurel shrubs. Our Portuguese and Cherry Laurels each grow creamy white flowers in fragrant racemes, while our award-winning Bay Laurel’s flowers are more yellow-green in colour. The flowers of all our varieties are very popular with bees and butterflies, and both our Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) and Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) have been selected to receive the RHS Plants for Pollinators status. The flowers can be followed by reams of shiny, ornamental fruits varying in colour from red to purple to black. For screening or hedging solutions, consider our Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) and Cherry Laurel. These bushes establish quickly and are highly effective at shielding against wind and noise thanks to their densely packed foliage. The leaves of the Portuguese Laurel are distinct from that of the Cherry as they are a deeper shade of green and are set against striking red stems. The Cherry Laurel, which is also known as the Common Laurel and English Laurel, has rounder foliage compared to the Portuguese Laurel’s more pointed leaves. For a more fragrant option, consider the Bay Laurel. Also known simply as the Bay Leaf tree, Laurus nobilis has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit and grows wonderfully aromatic leaves which can be used in cooking to add flavour to stews and soups. Growing Laurel trees Our Laurel bushes can tolerate most well-draining soil types and various positions from full sun to heavy shade. They can cope well with drought and pollution as well as exposed areas (except when in extreme conditions). Laurel shrubs are easily sculpted and can be pruned into shape for a neater, more polished look. They are often pruned into a Topiary Standard form (resembling a lollipop) which are ideal for lining drives and walkways. History & Etymology of Laurels Laurel trees belong to the Lauraceae family genus which is made up of approximate