Laurel
Latin Name : Prunus laurocerasus
Very easily recognizable large evergreen leaves. Member of the Cherry family, leaf smells of Almonds when shredded. Comes into growth very early in the Spring – Late February sometimes, shortly followed by long panicles of white flowers held vertically. Very tolerant of being cut hard back. Hedge looks best if cut by hand with secateurs, thus leaving no cut leaves. Left to grow unchecked, it will reach over 30 feet in every direction.
The flower buds of this shrub start to move as early as mid January. They will produce a multitude of vertically held flowers, giving a very impressive show, if allowed to do so.
The black berries appear and ripen through the summer months.