Types Of Laurel Trees

If you’re looking for a classic evergreen with glossy leaves and timeless appeal, you’ll want to learn about the different types of laurel trees. These versatile plants are staples in gardens for good reason, offering privacy, structure, and year-round color. But not all laurels are the same. Some are perfect for tall hedges, while others make beautiful standalone trees or compact shrubs. Knowing the distinctive evergreen varieties helps you pick the right one for your space.

This guide walks you through the main types, highlighting their unique features and needs. We’ll cover everything from the famous Cherry Laurel to the fragrant Bay Laurel. You’ll get clear advice on how to choose, plant, and care for these reliable plants.

The name “laurel” is used for several different plants, which can get a bit confusing. True laurels belong to the Laurus genus, but many other shrubs with similar leaves are commonly called laurels too. They all share that lovely, glossy evergreen foliage. Here are the key varieties you’re likely to encounter.

True Laurels (Laurus Genus)

These are the original, classic laurels from the Mediterranean.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis): This is the culinary star. Its aromatic leaves are used to flavor soups and stews. It grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching up to 30 feet tall. It has dense, dark green leaves and can be pruned into topiary shapes. It’s less hardy than some other types, thriving in zones 8-10.
Canary Island Laurel (Laurus novocanariensis): Similar to Bay Laurel but with broader, larger leaves. It’s a robust tree native to the Macaronesian islands and is often used in landscaping in mild climates.

Common Ornamental “Laurels”

These are widely planted for landscaping and are often very hardy.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): One of the most popular choices for a dense, fast-growing hedge. It has large, leathery leaves and produces small white flowers in spring followed by black berries. Varieties like ‘Rotundifolia’ are upright, while ‘Otto Luyken’ is a lower, spreading shrub.
Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica): A more refined option with darker stems and smaller, darker green leaves than Cherry Laurel. It grows a bit slower, making a beautiful tree or hedge. It’s known for its tolerance of different soil types.
Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica): Known for its vibrant, gold-speckled leaves, this shrub adds bright color to shady spots. It’s very tolerant of poor light and urban pollution. It’s a great choice where you need year-round visual interest without full sun.

Large Laurel Tree Varieties

If you have space for a significant evergreen tree, these are excellent candidates.

Caucasian Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’): A very vigorous form of Cherry Laurel that can reach over 20 feet high. It’s ideal for a tall, impenetrable windbreak or screen.
English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’): Also known as Skip Laurel, this is a cold-hardy variety with a narrow, upright habit. It’s perfect for a medium-height hedge in colder regions (down to zone 6).

How to Choose the Right Laurel for Your Garden

Picking the perfect laurel depends on your goal and garden conditions. Ask yourself these questions.

What is its main purpose? For a tall privacy screen, choose Caucasian or Cherry Laurel. For a low border, pick Otto Luyken Laurel. For a culinary herb, you need Bay Laurel.
How much space do you have? Check the mature height and spread. Some laurels grow very wide and need regular pruning if space is limited.
What is your climate zone? Bay Laurels need mild winters. Cherry and Portugal Laurels are more cold tolerant. Always check the hardiness rating.
What are your soil conditions? Most laurels prefer well-drained soil, but they are generally adaptable. Portugal Laurel is particularly tough in this regard.

Planting and Initial Care Steps

Getting your laurel off to a good start is simple if you follow these steps.

Timing: Plant in autumn or spring when the soil is workable and not frozen.
Location: Choose a site with well-drained soil. Most laurels tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Digging the Hole: Make it twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with the excavated soil, gently firming it down.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) for the first growing season.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep it away from the stem.

Pruning and Maintenance Tips

Laurels are low-maintenance, but a little care keeps them looking their best.

When to Prune

The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. You can do light trimming to shape the plant in late summer too. Avoid pruning in fall, as new growth may be damanged by frost.

How to Prune a Laurel Hedge

Use sharp hedge trimmers or secateurs.
Prune so the base of the hedge is slightly wider than the top. This “batter” allows light to reach the lower leaves, preventing bare patches.
Don’t be afraid to cut back hard if a plant has become overgrown; laurels usually respond well from old wood.

Feeding and Watering

Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Water young plants regularly during dry spells. Established laurels are quite drought-tolerant, but they’ll look better with occasional deep watering in very dry periods.

Common Problems and Solutions

Laurels are tough, but they can face a few issues.

Leaf Spot: Small holes or brown spots on leaves. This is often caused by fungal disease due to poor air circulation. Prune to improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves.
Powdery Mildew: A white powder on leaves. Again, improve air flow and consider a fungicidal treatment if severe.
Yellowing Leaves: This can be a sign of waterlogging (too much water) or poor drainage. Check your soil condition. Sometimes it’s just natural shedding of older leaves.
Root Rot: Caused by overly wet soil. Ensure the planting site has good drainage from the beginning.

FAQ About Laurel Trees

Are all laurel trees evergreen?
Yes, the types discussed here are all evergreen, keeping there leaves throughout the year.

How fast do laurel trees grow?
Growth rates vary. Cherry Laurel is very fast (1-2 feet per year), while Portugal Laurel is slower. Bay Laurel has a moderate growth rate.

Are laurel berries poisonous?
Yes, the berries produced by Cherry, Portugal, and other ornamental laurels are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Bay Laurel berries are also not for consumption.

Can laurel grow in shade?
Many laurels tolerate partial shade very well. Spotted Laurel (Aucuba) actually thrives in full shade. However, for dense growth, some sun is usually beneficial.

What’s the difference between laurel and bay tree?
A “bay tree” usually refers to the culinary Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). “Laurel” is a broader term that includes Bay and the other ornamental plants like Cherry Laurel.

How tall can a laurel tree get?
Some, like the Caucasian Laurel, can reach 25-30 feet if left unpruned. Others, like dwarf varieties, stay under 4 feet.

Choosing among the various types of laurel trees comes down to understanding there unique traits. Whether you need a fragrant herb for your kitchen, a dense hedge for privacy, or a tough shrub for a shady corner, there’s a laurel variety that fits the bill. With their glossy leaves and reliable nature, these evergreens provide structure and beauty to your garden in every season. Start by considering your primary need, check your climate zone, and you’ll find a laurel that will thrive for years to come with minimal fuss.