Description
Prunus laurocerasus 'Ani' standard tree 80 cm C5 | Cherry laurel
Cherry laurel standard is a distinctive form of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Ani'). An upright stem carries a rounded crown above the ground, creating a raised, compact silhouette. This gives the plant a different appearance from shrub and hedge forms, and makes it easy to use as an ornamental focal point. Its green foliage is evergreen, so it retains its leaves through the year. White flowers appear in April and May, adding a seasonal feature to the crown. The supplied information also indicates that the plant produces fruit, but does not give details about it. This standard form is suited to use as a specimen or in a pot. It belongs to the genus Prunus, which includes this cultivar of cherry laurel. The upright stem and rounded crown define the shape of this particular product; no mature height, width or leaf measurements are specified. The standard can therefore be chosen for its raised form and evergreen foliage without relying on an assumed final size. It offers a clear alternative to growing cherry laurel as a shrub or hedge.
Key features of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Ani') in standard form
- Flowers: White flowers appear in April and May. They provide a spring feature alongside the plant’s evergreen green foliage.
- Foliage and form: Green leaves remain on the plant through the year. An upright stem supports a rounded crown, holding the foliage above the ground and creating a raised focal point.
- Aspect and soil: This cherry laurel can grow in sun, partial shade or shade. It prefers humus-rich, lightly moist, well-drained soil and is sensitive to prolonged waterlogging.
- Pruning and safety: The plant tolerates pruning, although this is not a pruning guide. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
- Evergreen character: Its foliage gives it a place among evergreen shrubs. The standard form has a distinct outline, rather than the spreading appearance of a shrub or hedge form.
Uses of the cherry laurel standard in the garden
- As a specimen: The single upright stem and rounded crown create a defined silhouette. Use it as an individual focal point where its raised shape can be seen clearly.
- In a pot or on a patio: The supplied product information supports growing this standard in a pot and using it on a patio. Its crown sits above the stem, giving the container planting a distinct shape.
- In a small garden: The standard form offers an ornamental alternative to shrub or hedge forms. Its raised crown can provide a clear point of interest without describing the plant as a hedge.
- Hardiness: The supplied data gives tolerance to approximately -20°C (USDA zone 6). This figure is not a guarantee for every UK garden or local site.
- Year-round structure: Evergreen foliage and a rounded crown carried on a stem give the plant a recognisable outline throughout the year. Combinations with other plants are not specified, so choose companions according to the needs of the wider planting.
The evergreen foliage and raised rounded crown make this cherry laurel standard suitable as a specimen or a container plant.
