Prunus laurocerasus Ani - Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Ani' has all the qualities to satisfy fans of low-maintenance hedges. More compact than other cherry laurels, its moderate growth and limited development are real assets for small gardens. Decorative in every season thanks to its beautiful shiny green foliage, it is even more so in spring when new shoots of a beautiful reddish hue appear. This bush demonstrates excellent hardiness and can tolerate most growing conditions.

The Cherry Laurel, sometimes called the Trébizonde laurel, almond laurel or palm laurel, is an evergreen shrub of the Rosaceae family. Native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, indigenous to Iran, the Caucasus, and Turkey, Prunus laurocerasus is an evergreen shrub that can reach a large size (up to 8m tall) and even form true trunks. The species has given rise to several cultivars that are often used for hedges due to their interesting characteristics. This is also the case with this 'Ani' variety, which offers some additional attractions. This variety was selected in Hungary by Dr. Jozsa Miklos and has better cold resistance than classic varieties, estimated at around -25°C. It will therefore be of particular interest to gardeners in the Grand Est region. Nevertheless, the main advantage of 'Ani' lies in its compact development, with the bush generally reaching a height of 1.50 to 1.80m (although it will exceed 2m with age if not pruned), and a width of 1.20 to 1.50m. Its annual growth is moderate, around 15 to 25cm depending on the situation, which greatly facilitates pruning by limiting the amount of waste to be removed. Relatively small and therefore well-proportioned to the plant, the slightly obovate foliage is a medium to dark green with well-defined veins. In spring, the young shoots have a very decorative reddish hue that persists for quite some time before gradually turning green. Between April and May, the bush produces a fairly ornamental cream-white flowering. Small black fruits follow the flowers, with toxic seeds.

Possessing all the qualities of other varieties, including easy cultivation in sun or shade, in practically all types of soil, this 'Ani' Cherry Laurel is the ideal plant for creating a low hedge. Less vigorous than a Photinia fraseri 'Red Robin', it will also offer a beautiful springtime red coloration. The dense vegetative curtain it forms will allow for the creation of a small bed of perennials and other flowering plants that will be well highlighted. Plant other easy plants such as Shrubby Cinquefoils that will offer generous flowering during the summer season, in white, yellow, orange, and even pink and red colours. Plant bulbs in small groups to cover the late winter and spring period, such as Daffodils, Crocuses, and of course Tulips. And for summer, nothing beats a dwarf Butterfly Bush like the Buddleia 'Blue Chip', whose mauve-blue spikes will bloom continuously from July to September.

Attention: The leaves, and all parts of the cherry laurel are toxic if ingested, except for the pulp of the fruit (the seed is toxic). They contain prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid), associated with an aromatic substance called benzaldehyde, which has the scent of bitter almonds. This principle is also found in the almonds of apricot and peach pits, for example.