Prunus laurocerasus 'OTTO LUYKEN' 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.
Otto Luyken is one of the hardiest and now truly classic low‑growing cultivars of cherry laurel. It is perhaps the only one to have reliably survived temperatures as low as –29 °C without a single leaf showing frost damage. Growth is slow and compact, with narrow, elongated, lance‑shaped evergreen leaves measuring approximately 8–10 cm in length. The foliage is deep green, highly glossy, and characteristically angled upward, giving the plant a neat and composed appearance.
In spring, usually from April to May, mature plants produce upright racemes composed of small, creamy white flowers with an intense, sweet fragrance. After flowering, small, glossy, dark purple to black fruits develop and are eagerly taken by birds. Numerous tests regarding fruit toxicity (source: Plants For A Future) have shown that any potential risk lies only in the consumption of leaves and the seeds of unripe fruits; fully coloured or fallen fruits have caused no harm even to children. Otto Luyken also very often flowers again toward the end of summer.
The cultivar originated in Germany in the second half of the 20th century as a deliberate horticultural selection aimed at compact growth and abundant flowering. It is named in honour of Otto Luyken, a German gardener and nurseryman who made a significant contribution to the breeding and dissemination of ornamental woody plants in post‑war Europe. Thanks to its reliability, low maintenance requirements, exceptional frost hardiness, and elegant appearance, this cherry laurel quickly gained popularity not only in European gardens but also overseas, where it is still regarded as one of the finest low‑growing cherry laurel cultivars. Otto Lyuken is compact and dense.
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. Otto Luyken is very hardy and withstands frosts to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) and is also suitable for year-round cultivation in large outdoor planters (ideally min. 80x80x80 cm).
Last update 13-01-2012; 22-12-2025
