Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ (English laurel)

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' (English laurel) is one of the most popular varieties of laurel for hedges, very suitable for private gardens and professional landscaping.

 General description

• Type: evergreen shrub

• Port: erect, compact, with vigorous growth

• Height at maturity: 3–4 m

• Width: 2–3 m

• Growth Rate: fast (30–50 cm/year)

 Foliage

• Large, glossy, intense dark green leaves

• Very decorative throughout the year

• More frost and disease resistant than other laurel varieties

 Flowers and fruits

• Flowers: white, fragrant, appear in spring (April-May), in vertical racemes

• Fruits: black berries, decorative, but inedible

 Location Requirements

• Light: sun, partial shade, also tolerates shade

• Soil: fertile, well drained; it also tolerates heavier soils

• pH: slightly acid - neutral

 Resistance

• Frost: very good (down to –22 / –24°C)

• Wind and pollution: good tolerance

• One of the most resistant varieties of Prunus laurocerasus for Eastern Europe

 Maintenance

• Trim lightly, 1–2 times a year (spring and summer)

• Tolerates severe pruning well

• Regular watering in the first years; later it becomes relatively drought tolerant

 Uses in landscaping

• Dense hedge (formal or free)

• Green screens for privacy

• Perimeter plantings, alignments

• Ideal for residential and commercial projects

 Main advantages

• Very hardy and vigorous

• Large, decorative foliage

• Quick and compact hedge

• Less susceptible to diseases than other varieties