Prunus laurocerasus 'ANI' 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 famous work Species Plantarum, where it received its current botanical name Prunus laurocerasus. Its cultivation and use, however, are documented already in antiquity – it is mentioned by Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny, who described it as a laurel‑like plant and drew attention to its unusual properties. The leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, primarily prunasin and, to a lesser extent, amygdalin, from which hydrocyanic acid was released when properly processed. These substances formed the basis of a distillate known as aqua laurocerasi, which was used with due medical caution as a sedative.
Ani is a Hungarian cherry laurel bred by Dr. Jozsa Miklos in order to achieve hardy and compact varieties suitable for cold winters of Central And Eastern Europe as well as resistant to summer heat and drought. Ani looks a bit like Etna variety because its new leaves also emerge bronze red in spring but Ani keeps its red shades for longer before they mature to fresh green in summer. They are evergreen, leathery, deeply veined, and highly glossy. The plant exhibits a very dense habit ideal for hedging and grows some 25-30 cm per year into a rounded shrub. It was awarded bronze medal at Plantarium 2013, a leading European trade fair of novelties.
In April or May appear compound inflorescences made of small, white, fragrant flowers opening from pale pink buds. They are followed by glossy black berries which, as recent studies confirmed, are not poisonous. Only seeds from unripe fruit if properly chewed may cause discomfort since they contain the same toxin as bitter almonds (source: Plants For A Future - pfaf.org).
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. The breeder claims extreme hardiness to -30°C (USDA zone 5) without any injury.
Last update 15-05-2019; 22-12-2025
