Cherry Laurel 'Otto Luyken'

A compact and slower-growing alternative to the common Cherry Laurel, 'Otto Luyken' is specifically bred for lower hedging and ground cover. Its habit is spreading but dense, featuring distinctive narrow, upright, lance-shaped leaves that are a deep, glossy green. In spring, it produces elegant upright spikes of fragrant white flowers, which are highly attractive to bees, often followed by cherry-like red fruits that ripen to black. This cultivar is exceptionally hardy (H5) and thrives across the UK in almost any soil, excluding waterlogged ground. It is particularly valued for its ability to grow well in deep shade, making it ideal for planting under tree canopies or on the north side of buildings. Maintain it with an annual prune after flowering to keep its shape tidy. It typically reaches about 1 metre in height, making it perfect for low boundaries or mid-garden dividers.

Sun: Full sun to full shade.

Soil: Most well-drained soils.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.