Prunus ‘Rotundifolia’

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' (English laurel) is an evergreen shrub highly prized for dense hedges, protective curtains and decorative green screens.

 General characteristics

• Plant type: evergreen shrub

• Growth: fast

• Dimensions at maturity:

  • height: 3–5 m

  • width: 2–4 m

• Port: compact, well branched, rich foliage

• Leaves: large, oval-rounded, glossy, intense green (lighter than other laurel varieties)

 Flowers and fruits

• Flowers: white, fragrant, grouped in vertical bunches

• Flowering period: April–May

• Fruits: glossy black berries (decorative, toxic for human consumption)

 Planting requirements

• Exposure: sun, partial shade, also tolerates shade

• Soil: fertile, well drained; adapts to most types of soil

• Cold resistance: good (–20 / –23°C)

• Pollution resistance: very good - ideal for urban areas

 Maintenance

• Pruning: tolerates cutting very well, including drastic ones

  • recommended: 1–2 cuts/year (spring and summer)

• Watering: regular in the early years; later it becomes relatively drought tolerant

• Fertilization: in spring, with fertilizers for ornamental plants

 Uses in landscaping

• formal or informal hedge

• acoustic and visual protection curtains

• property boundaries

• solitary plantings or in large groups

 Advantages

✔ fast growth
✔ large foliage, decorative all year round
✔ supports frequent trimming
✔ very good for tall hedges