Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ – A Classic Evergreen for Hedging

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’, commonly known as Cherry Laurel, is one of the most popular and reliable evergreen shrubs for hedging and screening. With its large, glossy, rounded leaves and dense growth habit, it creates an instant sense of privacy and structure in the garden.

This vigorous and hardy shrub is a favourite for both formal and informal hedges. Its lush foliage provides a year-round green backdrop, while in spring, clusters of fragrant white flowers appear, followed by small black berries that are loved by birds. Easy to grow and highly versatile, ‘Rotundifolia’ is a top choice for anyone wanting a robust and attractive hedge.

General Information

Prunus laurocerasus is native to southern Europe and western Asia and has been widely grown in gardens for centuries thanks to its toughness and evergreen beauty. The ‘Rotundifolia’ cultivar is especially popular for its broad, rounded leaves and strong growth.

• Growth habit: Dense, upright, bushy shrub, ideal for hedging

• Height & spread: Fast-growing, typically reaching 3–5m tall and 2–3m wide if left unpruned

• Foliage: Large, glossy, rounded green leaves that remain fresh and vibrant all year round

• Flowers: Fragrant spikes of small white flowers in spring, attractive to pollinators

• Fruit: Small black berries in late summer, enjoyed by birds

• Position: Grows well in sun, partial shade, and even dense shade

• Hardiness: Fully hardy, tolerating frost, wind, and pollution

• Soil: Adapts to most soils, from clay to chalk, provided they are not waterlogged

• Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening, windbreaks, or as a backdrop in borders

Because of its fast growth and reliable foliage, ‘Rotundifolia’ is one of the most widely used hedging plants in gardens, parks, and landscapes.

Care Guide

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ is easy to care for and forgiving, making it suitable for gardens of all types.

Planting

• Best planted in autumn or spring, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round.

• Space plants around 60–90cm apart for a dense hedge.

• Dig a generous hole and enrich with compost or well-rotted manure.

• Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots.

• Once established, it is drought-tolerant, though watering in dry spells will keep it looking its best.

• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to encourage lush growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Trim once or twice a year to maintain a neat hedge—best done in late spring and again in late summer.

• Use secateurs rather than shears to avoid cutting leaves in half and leaving unsightly edges.

• Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Protection

• Fully hardy and resilient, requiring no winter protection.

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant, though occasional powdery mildew may occur in very dry summers.

• Wear gloves when pruning, as all parts of the plant are mildly toxic if ingested.

Why Choose Prunus ‘Rotundifolia’?

‘Rotundifolia’ is one of the best choices for gardeners looking for a strong, attractive, and reliable hedge. Its lush evergreen foliage provides year-round cover, while its spring flowers and summer berries add seasonal interest.

• Excellent for hedging: Fast-growing and dense for maximum privacy

• Year-round interest: Evergreen glossy foliage that stays fresh in all seasons

• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers support pollinators; berries attract birds

• Versatile: Thrives in sun, shade, and most soil types

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, tough, and easy to prune

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ (in a handy 3L pot size) is a fantastic, ready-to-plant option for creating hedges, screens, or windbreaks. Whether you’re planting a new boundary or filling gaps in an existing hedge, this classic evergreen will provide structure, privacy, and beauty for years to come.

• Size
  3L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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