Prunus laurocerasus Copperbell - Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Copperbell' is a variety of cherry laurel that brings a welcome new touch to this species. Its beautiful, dark green, evergreen foliage comes to life with the emergence of beautiful coppery red young shoots. Its springtime cream-white flowering is fragrant and beneficial to pollinating insects. It then develops into black fruits that are appreciated by birds but toxic to humans. With good tolerance to pruning and easy cultivation, it is an ideal shrub for creating a windbreak hedge.

The Cherry Laurel, sometimes called the Cherry Almond or English Laurel, is an evergreen shrub from the large Rosaceae family. Native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, Prunus laurocerasus is an evergreen shrub that, if left unpruned, can reach a considerable height (up to 8 m) and even develop true trunks in older specimens. The species has produced many cultivars that are often used for hedges, such as 'Copperbell'. This variety possesses all the qualities of a good hedge plant, with an additional ornamental asset. Less imposing than the species, it can reach approximately 3.50 m in height, or even 4 m if left in its natural form, but it tolerates pruning very well, which will keep it at smaller dimensions. With a distinctly upright habit, the mature plant does not exceed 1.25 m in width, which limits pruning operations when used for hedges. This very dense shrub forms highly effective privacy screens, 2 to 3 m in height, perfect for ensuring the intimacy of a garden. Its elliptical to elongated foliage is leathery, dark green with a glossy surface, evergreen so decorative all year round. The particular appeal of this variety lies in its young shoots that emerge in unprecedented bright red tones, hitherto mainly known in the Photinia, another ornamental Rosaceae. This youthful colour gradually fades to green, and the mature dark foliage highlights the white flowering that occurs in May. The clusters of small, fragrant flowers are nectar-rich so beneficial to bees and other pollinating insects. They then develop into oval fruits, which darken when ripe and provide food for birds. Please note that they are not edible and are even toxic to humans (it is mainly the seed that is very dangerous, as it contains hydrocyanic acid). Hardy to approximately -20°C, this lovely English Laurel is very accommodating in terms of soil, growing in most moist or even wet soils, provided they are well-drained.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Copperbell' will form superb hedges, particularly attractive in the early season thanks to the red young shoots. For an even more ornamental result, use it in combination with other hedge plants and leave the hedge trimmer aside for the secateurs, which will achieve a much more attractive finish while respecting the overall shape of the shrubs. Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus, nothing to do with Cherry Laurels!) will offer you winter blooms that are staggered compared to the others. A few plants with variegated foliage here and there will brighten up your hedge in the most beautiful way. Consider Euonymus fortunei 'Président Gauthier', a Spindle tree with green leaves edged in white that are unparalleled in brightening up dark winter days. In temperate climates, Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Maryline' with its evergreen attire of light yellow edged in dark green will be just as good. And if you don't mind thorns, add one or two plants of Pyracantha, aptly named Firethorn, which is a toss-up between its bountiful white springtime flowering and its equally abundant and spectacular autumn fruiting, yellow, orange, or red depending on the variety.