Prunus laurocerasus 'NOVITA' 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.
Cherry laurel Novita became a sensation the very moment it hit the market – a true horticultural blockbuster. Its dark, intensely glossy leaves looked luxurious and were impossible not to fall in love with. On top of that, it grew strongly and vigorously, quickly finding its place wherever a dense, impenetrable row of vital, year-round greenery was needed. Add to this its improved hardiness compared to older large‑leaved cultivars, and it is no surprise that Novita soon spread into cooler parts of Europe as well.
The leaves of Novita are evergreen, broadly elliptical to obovate, large, leathery, deep green and shiny like mirrors. In spring, upright racemes of small white flowers appear, carrying a gentle fragrance. After flowering, dark, glossy fruits develop and are a welcome food source for birds. Tests concerning fruit toxicity (source: Plants For A Future) have shown that any risk lies solely in the consumption of leaves and the seeds of unripe fruits; fully ripe or fallen fruits pose no health risk even to children.
Growth is exceptionally vigorous, reaching up to one metre per year. The branches are strong rather than flimsy whips, and substantial shrubs form quickly. If you plan to use Novita in a hedge, get ready for frequent pruning – or perhaps place it where there is enough space for natural growth. Without intervention, it can reach up to six metres in height, forming solid, funnel‑shaped shrubs with a robust structure. This habit can also be used to shape attractive multi‑stemmed specimens.
According to some reputable sources, Novita was discovered as a selection as early as the 1930s. Paradoxically, however, it does not appear in any nursery catalogues or professional publications until the very end of the 20th century – which is somewhat suspicious for such a distinctive and hardy cultivar. The name itself, Novita – or rather Novità – is Italian word for ‘Novelty’ and hardly innovative in meaning. German nurseries, meanwhile, had little reason in the past to give their own selections Italian names. Personally, I therefore find another scenario more convincing: imagine Italy in the late 1990s, vast growing fields with thousands of cherry laurels, a chance and striking mutation, no time to contact plant‑rights agencies – just propagate it quickly and see what happens. And behold – it works! And it is beautiful. Bellissima Novità!
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. It has proved very hardy to at least -24 °C and has withstood a few short spells of -27 °C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update 31-01-2018; 22-12-2025
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- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
