Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'

English Laurel

Otto Luyken cherry laurel is a broad evergreen shrub with glossy, narrow leaves and fragrant cream-white flower clusters. Its spreading outline is useful beneath taller planting, although old specimens can grow considerably taller than their usual garden size.

Its structure combines a ground-hugging habit and dense branching. Growth is fast. The foliage supplies a year-round framework.

Choose a site in full sun or partial shade. Provide acidic, well-drained soil and maintain even moisture. Prune selectively after flowering; shearing damages the broad leaves.

Size
• Height: 3-4 ft
• Width: 6-8 ft
Old specimens can exceed this usual range and reach 6-10 ft tall.

Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 6a–8b

Best Uses
• Accent Plant
• Foundation
• Hedge
• Mass Planting
• Privacy Screen

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

3-4 ft

Width

6-8 ft

Hardiness zones

6a–8b

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Cream, White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Fruit color

Black, Purple, Red

Attracts

Songbirds

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Moist well-drained, Sandy

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Hedge, Mass Planting, Pollinator garden, Privacy Screen, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Dense, Multi Stem, Prostrate, Rounded, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No