Prunus laurocerasus Mount Vernon - Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Mount Vernon' is a very hardy variety with a low and spreading habit. This evergreen bush forms a low cushion with horizontal growth. It is therefore a perfect plant for ground cover. Decorative all year round, it displays beautiful dark green evergreen foliage. Accepting of most types of soil except very alkaline, and capable of withstanding drought once well established, it is the archetype of an easy to grow plant.

Originating from southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, native to Iran, the Caucasus and Turkey, the Cherry Laurel, sometimes called Trabzon laurel, almond laurel or palm laurel, is an evergreen bush from the large Rosaceae family. Most of our fruit trees belong to this significant botanical family, as well as many ornamental plants, whether evergreen like the cherry laurel (e.g. Pyracantha, Photinia) or deciduous (Roses, Amelanchiers, Potentillas). Prunus laurocerasus are fairly hardy evergreen bushes, easy to grow in ordinary soil, undemanding in terms of exposure and tolerant of pruning. They also tolerate sea spray and pollution well. In alkaline soils, although others can adapt, it is preferable to plant varieties of Portuguese laurel.

The cultivar 'Mount Vernon' is notably different due to its very spreading habit and lanceolate foliage. Of average growth, it will reach 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) in height and 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft) in width. A variety selected particularly for its hardiness, down to -20 °C, it is an old selection, introduced to the market in 1930. Its foliage is composed of large narrow leaves, elongated, 9 to 15 cm (3.5 to 6 in) long and 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1.2 in) wide, ending in fine points, leathery, shiny green, more or less intense depending on the nature of the soil. In alkaline soil it will tend towards light green, and in acidic soil towards dark green. Its white flowering, in erect clusters 15 cm (6 in) long, appears in May but it is generally not abundant. It gives way in the summer to small fruits that turn black when ripe, toxic to humans but sought after by birds, which disseminate the seeds.

'Mount Vernon' is an ideal bush for use as ground cover; its dense and evergreen foliage leaves little chance for weeds to establish. To achieve this plant 3 to 4 plants per square metre to quickly cover the surface. It will also be appreciated on a slope for maintenance-free cover, especially as the regular renewal of its leaves will cover the soil with dry leaves, further improving the coverage. Emitting fairly deep roots, it can be installed at the foot of trees without suffering from competition or shade. The very white trunk of Betula utilis jacquemontii - the superb Himalayan birch - will be highlighted by its dark green foliage. In an evergreen bed it can be placed in the foreground, in front of Photinias with their red young shoots, or a Japanese Spindle 'President Gauthier',  to create a cheerful contrast with the variegated green foliage. The Mexican Orange 'Goldfinger', with its golden spring shoots, will enhance the dark foliage of 'Mount Vernon'.

Warning: The leaves and all parts of the cherry laurel are toxic if ingested, except for the pulp of the fruit (the seed is toxic). They contain prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid), associated with an aromatic substance called benzaldehyde which has the smell of bitter almonds. This compound is also found in e.g. almonds and apricot and peach stones.