English Laurel Vs Cherry Laurel

Ever stood in a garden center, staring at two nearly identical bushes, feeling totally lost? You’re not alone. The English Laurel and Cherry Laurel are the classic “wait, which one is that?” of the plant world. Both are popular, glossy-leaved evergreens, but they have surprisingly different personalities. Let’s dig in—with no judgment, just curiosity.

Meet the Contenders

First up, the English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). It’s the big, bold one, often growing into a massive shrub or small tree. Think of it as the friendly giant of the hedge world. Then there’s the Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana), also called Carolina Cherry Laurel. It’s a bit more refined, with a smoother, narrower leaf and a reputation for being tougher in heat.

Here’s the twist: both are technically “laurels,” but neither is a true laurel (that’s a whole other plant family). They just look the part, and that’s all that matters, right? The question is, which one fits your garden’s vibe?

Size and Speed: The Tortoise and the Hare?

If you want a quick privacy screen, English Laurel is your hare—it grows fast and wide, easily hitting 15 to 30 feet tall if left alone. It’s like that friend who shows up to a party and expands to fill the couch. Cherry Laurel is more of a tortoise: slower to mature, topping out around 20 to 30 feet, but with a narrower, more upright shape.

But here’s a fun thought: do you really want a plant that grows faster than you can prune it? English Laurel can become a jungle if you blink. Cherry Laurel, on the other hand, lets you catch your breath. So, ask yourself: Do I have time for a high-maintenance buddy, or do I prefer a chill, low-key pal?

Leaves, Flowers, and Hidden Drama

The leaves are where the real detective work happens. English Laurel has bigger, broader, darker leaves—almost like plastic-looking armor. Cherry Laurel’s leaves are smaller, brighter green, and have a subtle cherry-like scent when crushed. Go ahead, crush one—it’s not poisonous, but it’s a fun party trick.

Cherry Laurel (English Laurel): Leaves, Flowers, Fruit (Pictures

Both produce cute spikes of white flowers in spring, followed by dark berries. But here’s the drama: those berries are toxic to pets and people if eaten in large amounts. The birds love them, though—it’s a tiny ecosystem in your yard. Just don’t let your dog treat it like a buffet. And no, you can’t make cherry pie from them—sorry, that’s a different cherry tree entirely.

Where Each Laurel Shines (or Fails)

English Laurel is a diva about soil. It wants rich, moist, well-drained earth—no soggy feet, please. It also hates intense, direct sun in hot climates, turning yellow and throwing a fit. Cherry Laurel, however, is a tough cookie. It thrives in heat, drought, and poor soil. If you live in a place where summers bake your patio, Cherry Laurel is your hero.

But wait—English Laurel handles deep shade like a champ. Have a dark, gloomy corner under a big oak? That’s its jam. Cherry Laurel prefers sun to partial shade; in deep shade, it gets leggy and sad. So it’s a classic trade-off: one loves the shadows, the other loves the spotlight.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus Otto Luyken) – Shrub – Garden Plants

The “Weird” Details You’ll Love

Did you know both plants spread via birds pooping out their seeds? That means you might find baby laurels popping up in your flower beds like surprise guests. Keep an eye out—it’s sort of cool and sort of annoying. Also, English Laurel is sometimes called “common laurel,” which is a bit of a snub for a plant that’s anything but boring.

And here’s a fun fact: Cherry Laurel is native to the southeastern United States, while English Laurel is from Europe. So if you’re into supporting local wildlife, Cherry Laurel might feel more like home. But English Laurel? It’s a trusty import that’s been a garden staple for centuries.

The Verdict: Which One’s for You?

If you want a fast, lush, shade-loving screen and don’t mind a little pruning, go English Laurel. It’s the party animal of hedges. If you need a tough, sun-loving, lower-maintenance dude that still looks classy, pick Cherry Laurel. Honestly, you can’t go wrong—they’re both gorgeous and forgiving.

But here’s the real takeaway: just pick the one that makes you smile. Gardening isn’t about perfection; it’s about experimenting. Plant one, see how it grows, and if it doesn’t work, laugh it off and try the other. After all, you’re the boss of your backyard—and both laurels are just happy to be there.