Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Sofia') – Evergreen Hedging (3L Pot)

Prunus laurocerasus 'Sofia' is a modern cherry laurel with narrow, willow like evergreen leaves, bred for refined, space conscious hedging.

The leaves are narrower than those of a standard cherry laurel, but the habit is the same: glossy deep green foliage all year, spikes of small white scented flowers in spring, and a naturally upright, branching shape that responds well to clipping into a dense, uniform hedge. Cherry laurel grows fast and big, to 8 metres or more if never cut, so as a hedge it needs at least one clip a year; use secateurs rather than shears so the leaves are not left ragged. It takes most moist, well drained soils, copes with dry ground once established and with coastal air behind a windbreak, and is fully hardy, though cold drying winds can scorch the leaves in the coldest inland gardens.

Supplied as a large, well established plant in a 3 litre (19cm) pot, grown in peat free compost and structurally mature enough to settle quickly and start forming a hedge. All parts, including the leaves and seed kernels, are harmful to people, dogs, rabbits and rodents if eaten.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Cherry laurel 'Sofia'
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 1.5 to 5m x 0.8 to 2m; larger if never cut, kept smaller as a hedge
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy evergreen shrub; dense when clipped
• Perfect For: Hedging, privacy screens, boundaries, wildlife gardens
• Foliage: Evergreen, narrow, willow like, glossy deep green
• Flowering Time: Spring, spikes of small white scented flowers
• Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade; tolerates coastal conditions behind a windbreak and dry soil once established
• Soil Type: Most moist, well drained soils
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Low; clip at least once a year
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen all year: spring flowers, summer, autumn and winter screening
• Type: Hardy evergreen shrub, supplied in a 3 litre pot