Prunus laurocerasus Miniredia - Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Miniredia' is a variety of Cherry Laurel or Palm Laurel which stands out for its young orange-red shoots and its very compact ball-shaped habit. Unquestionably modern and striking, perfectly suited to the constraints of small spaces, this evergreen bush recently received the Gold Medal at the international "Green is Life" exhibition. Hardy, with rapid growth, easy to cultivate and maintenance-free, it develops an elegant dark green glossy foliage and is adorned in spring, if not pruned, with appealing cloud-like panicles of creamy white flowers, slightly fragrant. This small palm laurel is an excellent replacement for boxwood in the garden or on the terrace.

Prunus laurocerasus Miniredia, born in France, was selected by Formidable Plant Breeders in 2012. It comes from the Cherry Laurel ‘Caucasica Nana’, a compact dwarf cultivar, which it surpasses with its darker leaves and especially its brilliantly coloured orange-red young shoots. The spectacle is magnificent in spring and after each pruning. The typical Cherry Laurel is native to south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor, indigenous in Iran, the Caucasus and Turkey. This bush is sometimes called Trebizond laurel, almond laurel or palm laurel. All these plants belong to the Rosaceae family.

The cultivar 'Miniredia' has a naturally globose, very dense, well branched habit. Its growth is slow: by the age of 10 it will reach about 1 m (3 ft) in all directions. Its foliage is composed of tough leaves of a glossy green, more or less intense depending on the nature of the soil. In alkaline soil it will be lighter, in acid soil darker. The lamina is shiny on the upper side, lighter and matte on the underside, very decorative. The young shoots, coloured orange-red, develop into ovate and elongated leaves, changing from tender green to dark green. In April-May, at the ends of the shoots, appear upright clusters of 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) covered with tiny white flowers, much visited by bees. They give way in summer to small ovoid fruits, first green then red, becoming black when ripe, inedible but sought after by birds that spread the seeds.

Warning: 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, with the smell of bitter almonds. This compound is also found in e.g. almonds and apricot and peach stones.

This Cherry Laurel 'Miniredia' has all the qualities necessary to excel as an alternative to boxwood, whether pruned or not. In a low hedge it protects from prying eyes; it has style when used in topiary; and it adds real value in a contemporary setting. For planting in a border or low hedge, make sure to space each plant 50 cm (20 in) apart. This Laurel Palm 'Miniredia' will also look good in a shrub ensemble, mixed with other compact evergreen bushes (Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta, Viburnum tinus Gwenlian, Myrtus tarentina, Photinia Chico). If the fruits are allowed to ripen they will generate many new young plants inside or outside the garden.