Jade Turtle™ Cherry Laurel

Jade Turtle™ Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus Miniredia) brings structure and polish to the landscape in a compact, easy-to-place form. This evergreen shrub matures at just 3 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded mound of broad, glossy leaves. Fresh growth emerges with warm tones of copper and light green before settling into a deep, lustrous finish. In spring, upright clusters of small white flowers rise above the foliage, adding seasonal detail without distracting from its clean silhouette. Bred in France for improved habit and health, this selection offers the durability cherry laurels are known for in a restrained size suited to modern gardens. It is evergreen in USDA zones 69 and tolerates urban conditions, including clay soils and light salt exposure. Once established, it handles short dry periods well and is rarely troubled by serious disease. Deer typically avoid cherry laurel due to its leathery foliage. Use it as a low hedge, foundation accent, edging along walkways, or as a structured anchor in mixed borders. It also performs well in large containers where evergreen presence is needed through winter.Jade Turtle™ Cherry Laurel CarePlant in full sun to part sun; in warmer southern climates, light afternoon shade helps protect foliage from scorch. This shrub adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as drainage is reliable. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, around pH 6.07.0, but tolerates mildly alkaline conditions. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then irrigate during extended dry spells. Fertilizer is rarely necessary; if growth appears pale or slow, apply a light topdressing of compost in spring rather than synthetic fertilizer.Minimal pruning is required. If shaping is desired, trim lightly just after flowering since blooms form on older wood. Thinning a few interior stems every few years improves air circulation. Rejuvenation pruning is seldom needed due to its naturally compact habit.Jade Turtle™ Cherry Laurel SpacingSpace plants 23 feet apart for a solid low hedge and 34 feet apart when planting in borders to allow each shrub to maintain its rounded form. For container use, select a pot at least 18 inches wide with drainage holes and a high-quality potting mix. In containers, combine with blue fescue for texture contrast, hellebore for winter interest, or creeping jenny to soften the rim.