Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'

'Otto Luyken' cherry laurel is a compact cultivar evergreen shrub that grows to 3-4 feet tall and spreads to 6-8 feet. Over time it can grow 6-10 feet tall;  it is free-flowering so prune as needed after flowering. It blooms in spring, has a compact habit, and is free flowering even in heavy shade. It was introduced by Hesse Nurseries in Germany around 1968.  It grows best in soils with high organic matter and good drainage.  It tolerates shade and prefers it in hotter climates.  It is often confused with 'Zabeliana' in trade which has more upright growth form, growing taller than wide ("refrigerator form") and spreading leaves. 'Otto Luyken' grows wider than tall ("freezer form") and bears strongly ascending leaves 45-60 degree angle to the stem; both have entire leaves or occasionally one or two minute teeth. Both are separated from 'Schipkaensis' by entire margins as 'Schipkaensis' is toothed toward the apex. This plant is tolerant of alkaline soils, dry and poor soils, pollution, and heavy pruning. It is moderately tolerant to salt, but is intolerant of heavy fertilization. It has a rapid growth rate with competitive roots and pest and disease problems.

Awards: Award of Garden Merit (by RHS)

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring   Fruit: Summer, black drupe

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to shot-hole disease, powdery mildew and root rot.  Intolerant of heavy fertilization.

Quick ID Hints:

• Spreading evergreen shrub to 1 tall
• Leaves narrowly lanceolate, entire, strong ascending
• 2 glands present on leaf below near midrib

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Prunus laurocerasus.