Prunus laurocerasus 'CAUCASICA' cherry 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.
Caucasica cherry laurel belongs to a group of cultivars that seem to have been with us forever. They are pioneers from the golden rush of cherry laurels, the first to succeed and earn lasting recognition. Not only were they among the most attractive of their time, they also proved themselves where others failed. Caucasica is an old cultivar, and its exact origin is difficult to trace. The earliest known reference dates back to France in 1852, where it was first introduced. However, it was most likely a natural selection from its native range in the Caucasus, which is also reflected in its cultivar name. Regardless of its age, this gem is impossible to overlook and luckily still remains a widely available and much‑loved evergreen classic to this day.
Its evergreen leaves are deep green, highly glossy, elongated and elliptic with a pronounced pointed tip, measuring 12–18 cm in length and around 4 cm in width. Although leathery, they are somewhat thinner and therefore do not appear overly heavy. It forms attractively upright shrubs reaching a mature height of up to about 5 metres and a width of roughly 3 metres, making it slimmer than the species, though certainly not columnar. Young plants can grow by as much as 60 cm per year in good soil; with age, growth slows and the branches gradually become denser.
In April it flowers in upright racemes of small white blossoms that open from pink‑tinged buds and carry a strong, sweet scent reminiscent of 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 any discomfort.
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. ‘Caucasica’ is a reliable cultivar that tolerates temperatures down to about −25 °C. In more severe frosts it may suffer slight damage, but in spring it reliably replaces any affected leaves and shoots.
Last update 18-08-2014; 13-01-2026
