English Laurel Vs Cherry Laurel

So you've been browsing your local nursery, or maybe you're just wondering what all your neighbors are planting. You keep hearing about laurel, but there seem to be two different kinds floating around. Let's break this down in the friendliest way possible.

First, Meet the Stars of the Show

English Laurel is also known as Prunus laurocerasus, and it's the classic hedge plant your grandma probably had in her yard. Cherry Laurel, on the other hand, goes by Prunus caroliniana and is the Southern cousin who loves warmer weather. Think of them as the fancy evening-wear sibling and the laid-back weekend-wear sibling — both great for parties, but with very different styles.

English laurel thrives in cooler climates and gives your garden a rich, dark green backdrop. Cherry laurel cheers up gardens in the South where the summers are sweltering. Who doesn't love a plant that can handle heat and still look fabulous?

What Do They Look Like Up Close?

In case you're trying to tell them apart while strolling past your neighbor's perfectly trimmed hedge: English laurel tends to have glossier, thicker leaves with a cupped shape. Cherry laurel leaves are shinier on top and a bit more oval-shaped, with a lighter green tone underneath. It's like describing two strangers at a party — once you notice the details, they suddenly look completely different.

Both plants put out little white flowers in spring, though cherry laurel's blooms can look a touch more delicate. Then they produce small berries — black on English laurel and reddish on cherry laurel. Fun fact: those berries fade from red to black on both, so timing matters if you're paying attention.

Skip Laurel Vs Cherry Laurel: Are They The Same Plant? | ShunCy

The Needy Versus the Easygoing One

If you've ever been the friend who forgets to water a succulent, cherry laurel might be your match. It's tougher, handles drought better, and basically asks for very little attention. English laurel is more of a "please water me every week" kind of neighbor.

English laurel also grows faster and can get very large — we're talking 15 to 20 feet without trying. You'll need to trim it regularly if you want a neat hedge instead of a full-on hedge wall swallowing your mailbox. Cherry laurel stays a bit more manageable, usually topping out around 10 to 15 feet.

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

Pests, Diseases, and Other Drama

English laurel is known to attract a few pests like aphids and scale insects, especially when it's stressed. Cherry laurel tends to catch Shot Hole disease, which makes little holes in its leaves — kind of like a tiny angry ghost punched it. Neither is a dealbreaker, but you should know before committing.

One important caution: both plants contain compounds that can be toxic to pets. If your curious dog or curious cat loves inspecting your garden, it's something worth researching before deciding. Your furry buddy deserves a safe yard, after all.

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

So Which One Should You Pick?

Heart lives in the South with scorching vibes? Go cherry laurel. Gotta survive a cooler climate with plenty of rain? English laurel is waiting for you with those luxuriously thick leaves. Either way, you're choosing a reliable, attractive, and low-drama plant that will make your yard look like you hired a professional landscaper.

At the end of the day, it's about matching the right plant to your lifestyle. Neither laurel is the "wrong" choice — the wrong choice is planting anything without doing even two minutes of homework. Trust your neighbors, listen to your weather, and let your garden do the rest.