Prunus Laurocerasus Elly Cherry Laurel for Hedging

Prunus Laurocerasus Elly is a refined, narrow evergreen shrub with an elegant columnar habit, impressive hardiness, and exceptional performance as an evergreen screening plant. Cherry Laurel Elly offers fast, upright growth with a dense structure that makes it highly desirable for modern gardens, compact spaces, and formal hedging. Known also as Prunus Laurocerasus Verstra, this particular Cherry Laurel has glossy dark green foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and dependable resilience, making it a practical yet stylish choice for landscapes where structure and privacy are essential.

Prunus Laurocerasus Elly grows into a tall, slim, architectural shrub with glossy dark green foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year. Its upright growth maintains a tidy, vertical outline, giving it a distinctive presence in narrow spaces where wide shrubs cannot fit. In mid- to late spring, upright clusters of creamy-white, delicately scented flowers emerge, drawing early pollinators and bringing elegance to the new season. Later in the year, small dark fruit may appear, offering subtle autumn appeal. Prunus Laurocerasus Elly was selected for its naturally narrow form, distinguishing it from broader varieties such as Etna. 

Height and Spread of Prunus Laurocerasus Elly

Cherry Elly generally reaches 3.0 to 4.0 m in height while maintaining a slender spread of only 80 to 100 cm, making it ideal for tight planting strips, vertical accents, and slim hedging lines that demand height without bulk.

How Hardy is Prunus Laurocerasus Elly?

Cherry Laurel Elly is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating repeated frost and exposure once established. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil and adapts well to full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for a wide range of garden settings. Cherry Laurel Elly also grows successfully in clay or chalk soils, provided they are not waterlogged. 

Uses in Garden and Landscape:

Cherry Laurel Elly excels as a slim, formal hedge, tall privacy screen, or evergreen architectural feature in gardens seeking year-round structure. Its narrow form allows it to integrate seamlessly into confined areas while still delivering height and density. Companion planting strengthens its visual impact, and Prunus Laurocerasus Verstra pairs attractively with shade-tolerant shrubs, ferns and woodland perennials that appreciate shelter beneath its evergreen foliage. Cherry Laurel Elly also contributes to wildlife value by offering nesting cover and supporting pollinators during its spring flowering period.

Care Tips:

Plant Prunus Laurocerasus Elly into enriched, well-prepared soil, giving enough space for its tall signature shape. Water consistently through the first year to help it establish strong roots, especially during warm or dry spells. Once established, Cherry Laurel Elly is low-maintenance, requiring only light trimming in late summer to encourage a neat, upright outline. A balanced spring feed supports fresh growth, and an annual mulch layer helps conserve soil moisture. It responds well to gentle shaping, ensuring that it remains an elegant evergreen feature with minimal intervention.