Prunus Herbergii

Unlike more common laurels, the 'Herbergii' cultivar is prized for its naturally neat, upright and densely branched shape. Its narrow, oblong leaves are a rich, lustrous dark green, creating a polished, sophisticated backdrop all year round. In May, it bursts into an exceptionally heavy display of fragrant, bee-friendly white flower spikes, often followed by a lighter second flush of blooms in autumn. It is an outstandingly tough, weather resistant plant that delivers dense privacy without overwhelming smaller garden spaces, it is easy to grow but also easy to maintain. Thrives in full sun or dense shade.

Key Features 

• Elegant Upright Growth: Naturally forms a neat, broad-columnar to slender vase shape. This makes it considerably easier to keep tidy and compact than traditional wider laurel varieties. 


• Exceptional Frost Hardiness: Celebrated as one of the most ruggedly winter hardy cultivars available, effortlessly withstanding plunging temperatures down below -20°C. 


• Rich Bi-Seasonal Blooms: Known for being an exceptionally free-flowering cultivar. It erupts with upright white blossom spikes in May, frequently treating gardeners to a second flush in September.


• Excellent Shade Tolerance: Highly resilient and incredibly versatile, it thrives in everything from full sun to deep shade and can even be successfully planted underneath mature trees. 


• Wildlife Sanctuary: The intensely fragrant spring blossoms attract bees and butterflies, while the glossy black autumn berries provide an essential cold-weather food source for garden birds.

 

 Planting & Care Instructions

• Position: Performs beautifully in full sun, partial shade or even full shade. Provide shelter from harsh, dehydrating winter winds in highly exposed spots. 


• Soil: Highly adaptable. Prefers fertile, well-draining garden soil but comfortably tolerates sand, light clay, or loamy soil types.


• Pruning: Prune once a year in late March or early April to maintain your desired hedge height and width. 


• Safety Note: As with all cherry laurels, the leaves and berries contain toxic components and should not be consumed by humans, pets, or livestock.


• Planting Spacing: Plant 2 to 3 plants per linear metre depending on potting size


• Mature Height: 2.5 to 4 metres can be maintained lower


• Mature Spread: 1.5m-2.5m but easily maintaned as tight hedges