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Cherry Laurel Shrub
Cherry Laurel Shrub
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Prunus caroliniana
Carolina Cherry Laurel -
The Carolina Cherry Laurel is a dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy dark green foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and natural ability to form privacy screens. Native to the southeastern United States, this tough and attractive plant performs well in a wide variety of soil types and is highly adaptable to heat and drought once established.
Ideal for hedging, windbreaks, foundation plantings, and urban landscapes, Carolina Cherry Laurel combines beauty, durability, and utility in one low-maintenance package.
Carolina Cherry Laurel Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Prunus caroliniana |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Carolina Cherry Laurel, Cherry Laurel, Laurel Cherry |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 10–20 feet (shrub); up to 30 feet (tree form) |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 8–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–3 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 40–75 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 7–10 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (full sun promotes denser foliage) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Tolerates clay, loam, sandy, or alkaline soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Adaptable (6.0–8.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Creamy white; fragrant in early spring |
| 🫐 Fruit Type | Small black drupes (not edible); ornamental value |
| 🐝 Pollination | Attracts bees and beneficial insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, dense, multi-branched evergreen |
| ↔️ Spacing | 5–8 ft for hedges; 10–15 ft for specimen or natural form |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, foundation plantings |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Offers fragrant spring blooms for early pollinators
🌿 Provides year-round foliage and visual structure
🧬 Supports native biodiversity in southern and coastal ecosystems
🌞 Acts as an evergreen windbreak and noise buffer in suburban and urban settings
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Evergreen foliage for year-round privacy and color | ❄️ Not cold-hardy beyond Zone 7; avoid planting in harsh winter climates |
| 🌸 Fragrant flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects | 🍒 Fruit is ornamental but mildly toxic if ingested |
| 🌞 Fast-growing and easy to maintain in full sun | ✂️ Pruning may be needed to maintain shape in formal settings |
| 🧱 Highly adaptable to many soil types and drought conditions | 🌱 Can spread by seed if unmanaged in wild areas |
| 🏡 Excellent for formal hedges, foundation plantings, or screens | 🐛 May attract pests like scale or spider mites without monitoring |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply at planting and continue weekly until established
🕳️ Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball; keep root flare at soil level
🌾 Apply mulch 2–3 inches deep to maintain soil moisture and temperature
💦 Water regularly during the first year; reduce frequency once established
✂️ Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or control growth
🧪 Fertilize once annually in spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer
The Carolina Cherry Laurel is a lush, fast-growing evergreen solution for privacy, structure, and beauty in southern landscapes. Whether you’re planting a formal hedge, natural screen, or ornamental anchor, this native standout delivers fragrance, foliage, and year-round presence with ease.
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