Prunus laurocerasus aka Cherry Laurel

Taxonomy

Prunus laurocerasus, also known as cherry laurel, common laurel, and sometimes English laurel in North America, is an evergreen species of cherry. It is native to regions bordering the Black Sea in southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, from Albania and Bulgaria east through Turkey to the Caucasus Mountains and northern Iran. This plant is often used for hedges, as a screening plant, and as a massed landscape plant. The leaves of Prunus laurocerasus are dark green, leathery, shiny, and finely serrated at the margin, ranging from (5–)10–25(–30) cm long and 4–10 cm broad. They can have a scent of almonds when crushed. The flower buds appear in early spring and open in early summer in erect 7–15 cm racemes of 30–40 flowers, each flower 1 cm across, with five creamy-white petals and numerous yellowish stamens with a sweet smell. The fruit is a small cherry 1–2 cm broad, turning black when ripe in early autumn. The common names of P. laurocerasus refer to the similarity of foliage and appearance to bay laurel (Laurus nobilis, the true laurel, in the family Lauraceae), and like the bay laurel, Prunus laurocerasus was used for making laurel wreaths, but the two plants are not closely related. It is not to be confused with its American relative Prunus caroliniana, which is also called cherry laurel. Cherry Laurel is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Cherry Laurel belongs to the Prunus genus and is native to Europe. However, it is extremely dangerous if consumed, so caution should be taken.

Common names

Cherry Laurel, Common Laurel, English Laurel, Laurel Cherry

How to care for Cherry Laurel

Difficulty

Cherry Laurel is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Cherry Laurel should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Cherry Laurel, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Common Laurel with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Cherry Laurel from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Cherry Laurel regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Cherry Laurel will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

Cherry Laurel requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Cherry Laurel will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Cherry Laurel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Cherry Laurel is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Cherry Laurel’s native range is E. Europe to W. Asia. More or less naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia