Prunus laurocerasus 'Anbri' ETNA® cherry laurel - STANDARD TREE
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. The leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, primarily prunasin and, to a lesser extent, amygdalin, from which hydrocyanic acid is released when processed appropriately. These compounds gave rise to a distillate known as aqua laurocerasi, which was used with due caution as a sedative. This medicinal application is also reflected in the later Latin epithet officinalis, meaning ‘of the apothecary’ or ‘medicinal’.
Cherry laurel ETNA® is a small miracle of the early 1990s. It was noticed by grower Adrian Straver because, among countless others, it stood out through the shape and colour of its leaves. The leaves are unusually formed – ovate at the base, widening towards the tip and ending almost flat or gently rounded, often with a subtly undulating margin. This gives the shrub a sculptural, lively appearance throughout the year. They are evergreen, firm and leathery; in mid‑spring they emerge in a striking bronze shade that gradually matures into a warm, deep emerald green. Compared with many older cultivars, ETNA® tolerates winter sun far better and retains a rich, visibly fresher leaf colour even during long-lasting frosts. At maturity, it reaches approximately 3 m in height and up to 4 m in width. It does not grow quickly, but instead forms a naturally dense structure; thanks to its rich branching and permanent foliage, it creates shrubs that are both visually and physically impenetrable.
Before the leaves unfold, usually in April, upright racemes of small white flowers with a delicate fragrance appear. ETNA® flowers rather sparingly and only at a more mature age. After flowering, dark, glossy fruits develop, which are a valued food source for birds. According to available information (Plants For A Future), the toxicity of cherry laurel lies mainly in the leaves and in the seeds of unripe fruits; ripe fruits are generally considered less risky, yet they are not intended for consumption.
ETNA® was my very first cherry laurel and at the same time the first evergreen woody plant whose beautiful leaves I admired during my first winter in the borrowed garden of my parents. I could hardly believe that they remained alive, fresh and did not fall – it was there, in the year 2000 (how symbolic), that my love for evergreen plants was born. And as time has shown, it has earned not only my respect, but that of millions of others who have planted it since its creation. How did it come into being? It was found by the Dutch‑German nurseryman Adrian Straver in his father’s nursery around 1990 as an exceptional seedling among thousands of others. And just as he was able to recognise a single unique plant among countless ones that many would consider identical at first glance, I, too, chose ETNA® because it simply spoke to me from a garden centre bench in a garden centre. The cultivar was granted European Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR No. 2719) in 1998 and has remained one of the most reliable and most popular cherry laurels ever since.
Being compact, dense, and obviously so handsome, ETNA® is a perfect variety to be grown as a tree in half-standard or full standard form. Its ultimate size a summation of the stem size and 2-3 m (crown size). As every other tree it needs a strong support (staking) for at least three years before it establishes.
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. ETNA® is hardy to min. -27 °C (USDA zone 5b), possibly a little more, and suitable for growing in large outdoor planters (min. 80x80x80 cm).
Last update 23-02-2017; 29-12-2025
