Prunus laurocerasus Marbled White - Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus Marbled White is a variety of the very famous Cherry Laurel with variegated leaves.

The Cherry Laurel - a green leaved, evergreen bush with a bushy and nearly conical habit, found in many gardens - needs no introduction.

This 'Marbled White' variety, however, has magnificent shiny foliage, marbled with green, white and cream. The elongated ovate leaves measure about 10cm (4 in) long and 5cm (2 in) wide. It flowers in May and produces small clusters of white flowers followed by fruits, as big as olives and black in colour (be careful as these are toxic).

With slower growth and smaller than the green form, the Cherry Laurel Marbled White measures up to 4m (13 ft) in height. Very tolerant, it can withstand most growing conditions but be careful not to expose it to scorching sun which could brown its leaves.

Very hardy and easy to grow, it requires no formative pruning. Use it in hedges or in the background of partially shaded beds.