Laurocerasus undulata Plant Care

Laurocerasus undulata (Laurocerasus undulata) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Laurocerasus genus. Laurocerasus undulata is native to southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Bangladesh, northeastern India, Myanmar, southeastern China, Aceh in Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Laurocerasus undulata displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Laurocerasus undulata produces small white flowers in dense racemes.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Laurocerasus undulata every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Laurocerasus undulata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Laurocerasus undulata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Laurocerasus undulata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Laurocerasus undulata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Laurocerasus undulata every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Laurocerasus undulata is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Laurocerasus undulata can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Laurocerasus undulata while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Laurocerasus undulata is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Laurocerasus undulata can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cherry laurel plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Laurocerasus undulata is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Laurocerasus undulata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Laurocerasus undulata is native to southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Bangladesh, northeastern India, Myanmar, southeastern China, Aceh in Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Laurocerasus undulata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.