Carolina Cherry Laurel

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 10°F (-12°C)

Heat Tolerance: Resistant to heat in Phoenix in summer

Sun Exposure: Full to part sun

Origin: North Carolina to Texas, USA

Growth Habits: Shrub or tree, 20 to 40 feet (6-12 m), 15 to 20 feet spread (4.5-6 m); lustrous dark green leaves, 2 to 3 inches long (5-7.5 cm)

Watering Needs: Moderate water, needs good drainage, tends to become chlorotic in alkaline soils

Propagation: Cuttings, seeds for the species, also self-sows

Propagation: Seed or occasionally cutting, grafting/budding

• by hardwood stem tip cuttings, in autumn. Apply IBA Quick Dip 1000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 4-6 weeks.
• by grafts.
• by seeds.

Prunus caroliniana 'Bright 'n Tight'

'Compacta' is a cultivar with smaller leaves and smaller size, 8 to 10 feet tall (2.4-3 m), 6 to 8 feet wide (1.8-2.4 m).
'Bright 'n Tight' is similar to Compacta, but with very shiny leaves, 8 to 10 feet tall (2.4-3 m), 6 to 8 feet wide (1.8-2.4 m).

The foliage of the cherry laurel is poisonous to live stock.

Blooming Habits:
Small fragrant white flowers in late winter or spring.

Fruiting Habits:
Cherry-like black fruit, up to 0.5 inches in diameter (1.2 cm), eaten by wildlife but often toxic to humans.

Culture:
Can be sheared to control size and shape.