Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a 8b, 9a
Family: Rosaceae
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ is an evergreen shrub with a spreading uptight habit. Its dark green glossy leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, up to 10cm long and 3cm broad. Its leaves give off the smell of almonds when crushed. Its white flower are up to 1cm across and appears erect racemes of up to 40 flowers. The fruit is a small cherry, glossy red when young, turning black in early autumn.
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ Leaf (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as the Cherry Laurel or English Laurel, is native to regions bordering the Black Sea in southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe. The plant is slightly toxic, causing severe discomfort if ingested.
The etymological root of the binomial name for Prunus is the classical Latin name of the plum tree. Laurocerasus is derived from the Latin laurus ‘Laurel’ and cerasus ‘a Cherry’ i.e. a Cherry that is like a Laurel.
The landscape architect may find Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ useful as an evergreen groundcover or hedging specie. It also makes an effective back-foil for areas of ornamental and herbaceous planting. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit is attractive to birds.
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ Flower Buds (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ has been awarded the prestigious Royal Horticultural Societies annual Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ prefers a fertile, well-drained soil. It will tolerate most pH of soils although shallow chalky soils should be avoided as its leaves may become chlorotic.
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ requires little maintenance. Hedge pruning should be carried out in autumn.
