Carolina Cherry Laurel

Carolina Cherry Laurel Plant Prunus caroliniana

Carolina cherry laurel is a popular evergreen shrub, and it’s an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens. The plant’s best features are its attractive densely growing foliage and showy flowers. Carolina cherry laurel plants are identified by shiny green lance-shaped leaves, attractive white flowers, and black berries in the fall.

Both the leaves and flowers produce a pleasant fragrance. The leaves, when crushed, have an odor something similar to maraschino cherries. However, don’t eat any part of this plant as it contains high concentrations of prussic acid (cyanide) and can be poisonous if ingested. Carolina cherry laurel has many uses in the garden landscape. But most gardeners prize this dense shrub as an evergreen privacy hedge or windbreak.

Growing Carolina Cherry Laurel

• Thrives in well-draining soil, tolerating various soil types including sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce to occasional watering once established.
• Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
• Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but protect from frost during winter in cooler climates.
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10.

Shipping Info

Your plant will be shipped with the roots wrapped in plastic and ready to plant upon arrival.