Prunus Etna

A refined, slower-growing alternative to standard laurel, 'Etna' is highly prized for its densely compact and bushy growth habit. Named after the famous volcano, its defining feature is the striking, fiery bronze-orange foliage that erupts from its young shoots every spring creating a vivid contrast against the mature wall of deep glossy-green leaves. In mid-spring, it yields upright spikes of scented white flowers that attract local pollinators, followed by clusters of bird-friendly dark berries in autumn. Tough, thick and highly resistant to disease, it is a premium problem solver for pristine, low-maintenance screens or hedges.

Key Features 

• Striking Volcanic Foliage: Young Spring leaf tips flush a distinct bronzy orange-red colour before shifting into an elegant, leathery dark green. 


• Naturally Compact Habit: Grows more densely and significantly slower than standard laurels, requiring only a fraction of the maintenance and trimming. 


• Tough & Reliable: Remarkably versatile, Etna grows effortlessly in deep shade, full sun, urban air pollution, and harsh, wind-swept areas


• Superior Disease Resistance: Specially selected for its strong health, it offers excellent natural resistance to common laurel ailments like "shot hole" fungus. 


• Wildlife Friendly: Yields delicate, fragrant white spring flower spikes that feed local bees, followed by deep purple autumn berries for birds. 

 

Planting & Care Instructions

• Position: Highly adaptable. Performs really well in anything from full sun to total shade.


• Soil: Tolerates virtually any soil type including chalky or clay soils provided it is well-draining and reasonably fertile.


• Pruning: Low maintenance. Requires clipping just once a year in late summer to retain a clean hedge line. Avoid hard frost periods when trimming.


• Safety Note: Like all cherry laurels, the foliage and berries are toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach from grazing livestock


• Plant Spacing: Ideally plant about 40cm to 50cm apart


• Mature Height: 2 to 2.5 metres easily kept much lower with pruning


• Mature Spread: 1.5m t0 2m very easy keep tidy with pruning