Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’ – A Slim, Elegant Cherry Laurel

The Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’ is a compact, upright form of the popular cherry laurel, bred specifically for creating tall, slim hedges with a neat, elegant profile. Unlike traditional laurel varieties that spread widely, ‘Genolia’ grows in a narrow column, making it ideal for smaller gardens or tight spaces where you need height without width.

With its glossy evergreen leaves, strong vertical growth, and easy-care nature, this variety is perfect for hedging, screening, or adding structure to the garden. Hardy and low-maintenance, ‘Genolia’ provides reliable year-round greenery while taking up less space than other laurels.

General Information

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs for hedging. The cultivar ‘Genolia’ was developed in Switzerland to offer a more space-efficient alternative.

• Habit: Upright, columnar evergreen shrub with dense, bushy growth.

• Height & spread: Grows 3–4m tall but stays narrow at only 0.6–1m wide.

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves that remain fresh and attractive throughout the year.

• Flowers: Upright clusters of small, white flowers in spring, followed by small black berries (if left untrimmed).

• Position: Thrives in sun or partial shade; tolerates deeper shade better than many other hedging plants.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil but will tolerate clay, chalk, or sandy soils if not waterlogged.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and cold winters.

• Uses: Ideal for hedging and screening in narrow spaces, foundation planting, or as a vertical accent in borders.

Its slim, upright habit makes ‘Genolia’ particularly useful for urban gardens or where boundary space is limited.

Care Guide

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’ is easy to grow and needs very little care once established.

Planting

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

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; for hedges, space 60–80cm apart.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to aid establishment.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well during the first year to help roots establish.

• Once mature, it is fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering in long dry spells.

• Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy foliage and strong growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Requires minimal pruning to maintain shape.

• Trim once or twice a year (late spring and late summer) to encourage dense growth and maintain a neat hedge.

• For formal hedges, use shears or a hedge trimmer; for a natural look, prune selectively with secateurs.

• Remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring.

Protection

• Fully hardy and resilient, tolerating frost, wind, and pollution.

• Rarely troubled by pests or diseases; occasional leaf spot may occur in damp conditions.

• Poisonous if ingested, so avoid planting where pets or livestock may graze.

Why Choose Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’?

This modern laurel variety offers the perfect solution for gardeners who want tall, evergreen hedging without taking up too much space.

• Space-saving: Slim, columnar habit ideal for narrow gardens and urban plots.

• Year-round cover: Glossy evergreen foliage provides reliable screening.

• Low-maintenance: Easy to grow, hardy, and requires little pruning.

• Versatile: Works as a hedge, screen, or vertical accent in borders.

• Reliable performer: Tolerates shade, drought, and different soil types.

The Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’ is a sleek, modern take on the classic laurel, offering evergreen structure and vertical elegance without spreading out of control. Whether used as a hedge, a privacy screen, or a feature shrub, it brings lasting greenery and style to any garden.

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

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

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.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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