Re: Cherrylaurel
Cherry laurel ( Prunus laurocerasus) is a handsome evergreen tree
with shiny bright green leaves and spikes of white flowers and then
dark inedible fruit. It is used as a tall hedge here, and spreads
by bird-sown seeds. It is hardy to -15C, and I have never seen it
damaged by winter, even when native trees and shrubs have been
damaged. There is a lower, narrower-leaved form, "Otto Luyken" which
is used as a high groundcover by landscapers as it is broad and
low-growing. Mine is about 2m high after about 20 years. I have
sent lots of its seedlings to a friend in Ontario (zone 6).
Another evergreen cherry, Portugal laurel, (Prunus lusitanicus) has
dark green leaves, and prettier spikes of white flowers. They look
lacy against the dark green. It is hardy to -20C. It is usually
grown as a tree here, but should be OK for a hedge. I have it as a
windbreak.
Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
zone 8 Sunset zone 5 cool mediterranean climate (dry mild summer,
wet mild winter)
