Prunus Laurocerasus

Mt. Vernon’ is very compact, reaching only 3 feet in height and spread yet retains the large species-type leaves. Slow growing, it can be a good addition to a rock garden. Prunus laurocerasus is a large, spreading evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark green leaves and a hardy constitution. The leaves are evergreen, simple, alternate, and 2 to 6 inches long. The green-to-brown stems emit the typical cherry odor when bruised. The species can grow to 18 feet in height under ideal conditions and can spread to 25 feet. Generally, it is kept more modest under cultivation; various cultivars have been developed. The leaves keep their color throughout the summer, but they can lose some of their luster in cold climates. The flowers are tiny, white, and intensely fragrant, appearing in mid-spring. The fruits are inconspicuous, hidden amongst the foliage, borne in the summer. Often used as a hedging plant.

• Perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges or screens.
• Prune as needed after flowering. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to fall or hardwood cuttings from late fall to late winter; propagate by seed in fall.
• Low maintenance, the leaves of this lovely shrub may be damaged by vine weevil, leaf-mining moths, or powdery mildews.
• This plant has high-severity poison characteristics. Leaves and fruit may be harmful if ingested.

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Requirement
Hardiness	6,7,8,9
Heat Zones	6,7,8,9,10
Climate Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Type	Shrubs
Plant Family	Buxaceae
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
Height	2' - 3'
Spread	3' - 4'
Water Needs	Average
Maintenance	Low
Soil Type	Chalk, Loam, Sand
Characteristics	Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Planting Place	Hedges and Screens