Carolina Cherry Laurel Plant Care
Prunus caroliniana (Mill.) Aiton
Prunus caroliniana, known as the Carolina laurelcherry, Carolina cherry laurel, Carolina cherry, or Cherry laurel, is a small evergreen flowering tree native to the lowlands of Southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and westward to central Texas. The species also has escaped into the wild in a few places in California.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
0–90°F
40–70%
What Is the Carolina Cherry Laurel?
Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Prunus genus. Carolina Cherry Laurel is native to the lowlands of Southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and westward to central Texas. Carolina Cherry Laurel is also known as Carolina Laurelcherry, Laurel Cherry, Wild Peach.
Carolina Cherry Laurel displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 inches tall with a spread of approximately 15 inches. Carolina Cherry Laurel produces showy clusters of white or pink blossoms.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Carolina Cherry Laurel?
Prunus caroliniana requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Carolina Cherry Laurel Need?
Carolina Cherry Laurel thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Carolina Cherry Laurel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Carolina Cherry Laurel Prefer?
Prunus caroliniana grows best at temperatures between 0°F and 90°F. Carolina Cherry Laurel prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Carolina Cherry Laurel?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Carolina Cherry Laurel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Carolina Cherry Laurel?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Carolina Cherry Laurel?
Carolina Cherry Laurel can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cherry blossom tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Carolina Cherry Laurel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Toxic to humans if ingested, non-toxic to pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Carolina Cherry Laurel?
Carolina Cherry Laurel is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Keep exploring plants
Carolina Cherry Laurel is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Prunus genus — compare its care with other Prunus species on PlantoScan.
Carolina Cherry Laurel tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Prunus Species
Other Prunus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Identify Plants Like the
Carolina Cherry Laurel Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species