Prunus laurocerasus 'ROTUNDIFOLIA' cherry laurel, common laurel, English laurel
Prunus
The genus Prunus is quite extensive and, above all, remarkably diverse – it includes around 350 different species, some of which you would hardly place in the same group at first glance. Its representatives occur from Asia through Europe and North Africa to North America. The genus comprises trees and shrubs valued mainly for their abundant and attractive flowering, as well as species with delicious edible fruits, and in this particular case an evergreen species whose persistent foliage becomes especially important during the dormant season, when most other woody plants are leafless. This species is known as cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and originates from regions around the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and northern Turkey, where it grows in submontane forests and on moist, shaded slopes. Its glossy, leathery leaves resemble those of true laurel, and this similarity that gave rise to its name – lauro‑cerasus, meaning “laurel cherry.” It reached Europe as early as the 16th century and, thanks to its frost hardiness, is today one of the most important evergreen woody plants even in Central European climate.
Cherry laurel was scientifically described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum, where it received its still accepted name Prunus laurocerasus. A later, now obsolete name, Laurocerasus officinalis, nevertheless points to a much older history of cultivation and use. A laurel‑like plant identified with cherry laurel is already mentioned by Theophrastus, Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, who noted its unusual properties. From the leaves of cherry laurel, a distillate known as aqua laurocerasi was prepared and, when used with due caution, employed as a sedative – hence the Latin epithet officinalis, meaning medicinal. Historically and with documentary support, cherry laurel, its introduction, and its first cultivation in European gardens can be traced to the year 1576. This date fits well within the period of diplomatic missions between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs, when seeds, cuttings, and young plants of previously unknown species were brought from Constantinople to Central Europe through networks associated with figures such as the imperial envoy David Ungnad (1530–1600) and the botanist Carolus Clusius (1526–1609). The transfer of newly discovered plants was regarded as a gift equal in value to gold, works of art, or archaeological finds, and represented an important expression of learning, prestige, and practical knowledge of the natural world.
Rotundifolia chery laurel secured its place in the spotlight many years ago - some sources suggest it first appeared in the early 20th century. It is easy to recognize at first glance thanks to its large leaves and a lighter shade of green, which shines among the vast majority of other cherry laurels like a fresh lawn. Its evergreen leaves are very large, measuring 12–17 cm in length and 5–8 cm in width, broadly oval to obovate, leathery, highly glossy, and shallowly serrated along the margins. Their abundance, together with the plant’s rich branching pattern, gives the shrub a robust appearance, while the size and brightness of the foliage lend it an exotic, rainforest-like character.
As a specimen plant, Rotundifolia ranks among the most disciplined and elegant cultivars in terms of form and structure. It naturally branches well and densely, forming symmetrical shrubs that can become quite substantial without pruning - a quality often used in hedges and screens. It must be acknowledged, however, that when cultivated as a hedge, the branches awaken to a competitive struggle for sunlight and space and begin to protrude; at that point, pruning helps restore order.
It does not flower often, nor profusely, but it is capable of blooming. In April, upright clusters of small white flowers may appear, strongly and sweetly scented like lilac. After pollination, glossy black fruits develop, eagerly sought after by birds. They are not poisonous; only the seeds in unripe, hard fruits contain trace amounts of the same substance found in bitter almonds, and they would have to be thoroughly chewed to cause nausea.
Rotundifolia was not deliberately bred; it is a historical selection chosen from naturally growing shrubs, yet no reliable records have survived indicating when or by whom it was first selected or introduced to the market. But if you study its behavior and appearance closely, it willingly reveals its own story. The following text should therefore be taken only as a botanical interpretation based on morphological observation. The lighter colour of the leaves does not correspond to the dry regions of the Mediterranean or the Caucasus, so these locations can be ruled out. Instead, the high water content of the leaves, with minimal protection against drought and frost, together with their size, suggests an origin in a naturally more humid climate closer to the Black and Caspian Seas (Iran, Turkey, Georgia). This is also consistent with its increased sensitivity to severe frost – trials have shown frequent leaf scorch when temperatures drop below −20 °C and severe branch damage below −24 °C.
Cherry laurels require moist but well‑drained soil, ideally acidic to neutral and rich in nutrients. They do not tolerate compacted, heavy clay, muddy, or permanently waterlogged soils. They are sensitive to lime in the soil, which most commonly manifests as chlorosis – the leaves lose their green colour and the vein pattern becomes pronounced. Similar symptoms may also occur in cases of nutrient deficiency. In both situations, the application of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt), organic fertilisers, or adjustment of soil pH towards a more acidic reaction is beneficial. They tolerate pruning of any intensity and respond particularly well to rejuvenation pruning into old wood, from which they readily regenerate. The best time for pruning is in spring after the risk of frost has passed; shaping cuts are carried out in mid‑summer. Because they retain their leaves year‑round – even in winter – and continuously transpire water, they require an adequate supply of moisture. Until a sufficiently deep root system develops, it is advisable to water them at least once a month during dry winters to prevent dehydration and subsequent leaf scorch caused by strong winter sun. To retain moisture and protect against temperature fluctuations, year‑round mulching is strongly recommended. ‘Rotundifolia’ is suitable for locations with frost down to approximately −20 °C. In more severe frosts, its leaves are often scorched by dehydration, and below −24 °C even the upper parts of the branches may die back. The plant always survives, but it must regenerate from undamaged wood. For this reason, it should preferably be given a sheltered position.
Last update 01-01-2010; 14-01-2026
