Prunus laurocerasus Bonaparte - Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Bonaparte' is a variety of cherry laurel with young leaves that are coppery at bud burst. Its beautiful dark green, evergreen foliage comes alive with this welcome colouration. Its spring flowering is pinkish-white and fragrant and beneficial to pollinating insects. It then develops into black fruits that are enjoyed by birds but toxic to humans. Tolerant of pruning and easy to cultivate, it is an ideal variety for forming a windbreak or privacy screen hedge.

The Cherry Laurel, sometimes called the Turkish laurel or cherry-almond, is an evergreen shrub from the large Rosaceae family. Native to Southeast Europe and Asia Minor, the Prunus laurocerasus is an evergreen shrub that, without pruning, can reach a great height (up to 8 m) and even develop true trunks in mature specimens. The species has given rise to numerous cultivars that are often used as hedges, such as 'Bonaparte'. This variety possesses all the qualities of a good hedge plant, with an additional ornamental asset. Less imposing than the species, it can reach approximately 3.50 m in height, or even 4 m if left in free form, but it tolerates pruning very well, which will help maintain it in smaller dimensions. With an upright habit, the mature plant does not exceed 1.5 to 2 m in width, which limits pruning operations when used as a hedge. This very dense shrub forms highly effective privacy screens, 2 to 3 m in height, perfect for ensuring the intimacy of a garden. Its elliptical and elongated foliage is tough, with a dark green, glossy surface. The particular attractiveness of this variety lies in its young shoots that emerge in copper to red tones. This juvenile colour gradually fades to green, and the dark mature foliage highlights the white flowering that occurs in May. The clusters of small fragrant flowers are nectar-rich and therefore beneficial to bees and other pollinating insects. They then develop into oval fruits that darken when ripe and provide food for birds. Beware, they are not edible and even toxic to humans (it is mainly the seed that is dangerous, as it contains hydrocyanic acid). Hardy to approximately -20°C, this beautiful cherry laurel is very accommodating in terms of soil, growing in most moist, drier, or even wet soils, provided they are well-drained.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Bonaparte' will form superb hedges, particularly attractive early in the season thanks to the coppery young shoots. For an even more ornamental result, use it in combination with other hedge plants and use secateurs instead of a hedge trimmer to achieve a much more attractive effect while respecting the overall shape of the shrubs. Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) will offer you winter blooms that are offset from the others. A few plants with variegated foliage here and there will brighten up your hedge in the most beautiful way. Consider Euonymus fortunei 'Président Gauthier', a Spindle tree with green leaves edged in white that are unrivalled for brightening up dark winter days. In temperate climates, Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Maryline' with its persistent attire of light yellow bordered with dark green will be equally appreciated. And if you don't mind thorns, add one or two plants of Pyracantha, the aptly named Firethorn, which is a source of admiration, for its abundant white spring blooms and equally abundant and spectacular autumn fruiting in yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety.