No, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

How fast does it grow?

It is a vigorous grower, often adding 30 to 60 centimeters per year.

Plant guide

Cherry laurel.

Prunus laurocerasus

Pronounced PROO-nus law-ro-ser-AY-sus

Also known as Cherry Laurel, Cherry-laurel, Common Laurel, English Laurel

The cherry laurel is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green foliage. It makes a fantastic hedge or privacy screen because it grows quite dense. You will love its fragrant white flower spikes that appear in the spring.

Another photo of Cherry laurel — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant this shrub in well draining soil and keep it consistently moist while it gets established. Watch for yellowing leaves which might signal poor drainage or nutrient issues. Prune it back after flowering to keep its shape tidy and encourage new growth.

Watering: Water deeply whenever the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Trim back the branches in late spring or early summer after the flowers fade.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes rootbound or needs a larger container for stability.
Soil: Well draining loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The foliage and seeds are highly toxic to humans and pets if consumed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested due to cyanogenic glycosides.
Children: Keep children away from the berries as they are poisonous and look tempting to eat.
Contact allergens: Contact with sap or crushed leaves may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can be a minor respiratory irritant for some people during the spring bloom.
Edibility: All parts of this plant contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic if ingested.

How to identify it

Glossy dark green leathery leaves
Oblong leaves with serrated edges
Fragrant white upright flower spikes
Small dark purple cherry like fruits

Height: 2 to 6m
Spread: 2 to 5m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: black, dark purple, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged during winter. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In containers: It can be grown in large containers, but it will eventually require a very large pot to sustain its size.

Semi-ripe cuttings

Take 10 to 15 centimeter cuttings in late summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Plant in a well draining potting mix.
Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.

Plant in groups to create a dense hedge that blocks wind and noise.

Grows well with

English Ivy · Both thrive in similar shady conditions.
Hosta · They provide a nice textural contrast in shaded borders.

Similar species

Portuguese Laurel · It has smaller leaves and is slightly more refined in appearance.

Science

Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia.
Conservation: This species is considered invasive in some regions outside its native range.

It thrives in the understory of forests where it outcompetes native flora due to its dense evergreen canopy.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, provides cover for birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: hedging, privacy screen, topiary, evergreen backdrop

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it safe for dogs?: No, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
How fast does it grow?: It is a vigorous grower, often adding 30 to 60 centimeters per year.

Where the name comes from

The name Prunus refers to the plum genus, while laurocerasus describes the laurel like appearance of the leaves.

Good to know

It is often called cherry laurel despite not being a true laurel.
The plant is extremely shade tolerant.
It was introduced to Europe from the Caucasus region in the 16th century.
It is frequently used for formal hedges in English gardens.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your cherry laurel growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.