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Carolina Cherry Laurel
Carolina Cherry Laurel
Carolina Cherry Laurel
Carolina Cherry Laurel
Carolina Cherry Laurel
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Evergreen Shrub

Carolina Cherry Laurel

4.5/5 13 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 7-10

Size: 3 gallon
$70

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Evergreen: keeps its leaves all year
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Fast growth rate. Reaches 15–30 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide at maturity, depending on pruning.
Botanical name
Prunus caroliniana
Hardiness
Zones 7-10
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerantDrought tolerant
USDA zone map for Carolina Cherry Laurel

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

4.5
out of 5 · 13 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Goodbye, noisy neighbors

A living screen that blocks the view, softens the sound and looks better than a fence.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 7-10

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Plant Carolina Cherry Laurel in well-drained soil and a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, and backfill firmly. Water thoroughly after planting to eliminate air pockets and encourage root establishment. Apply mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Continue watering weekly for the first growing season.
Watering & sunlight
Water deeply once a week during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, it becomes drought tolerant and typically needs watering every 10–14 days during dry periods. Carolina Cherry Laurel grows best in full sun to partial shade. It develops denser foliage and faster growth when planted in full sun.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and maintain density. Carolina Cherry Laurel responds extremely well to trimming and can be kept as a hedge or small tree.

FERTILZING:
Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy evergreen growth. Mulching around the base can also help retain moisture and improve soil quality. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Generally hardy in Zones 7–10 and requires no winter protection in those regions. Add mulch around the root zone in colder areas of Zone 7 to insulate roots during hard freezes.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Carolina Cherry Laurel get?
Carolina Cherry Laurel typically grows 15–30 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide, though regular pruning can keep it much smaller for hedge or screen use.
How fast does Carolina Cherry Laurel grow?
Carolina Cherry Laurel is a fast-growing evergreen, often adding 2–3 feet of growth per year in ideal conditions.
Does Carolina Cherry Laurel stay green year-round?
Yes, Carolina Cherry Laurel is evergreen, keeping its glossy foliage year-round and providing consistent privacy in all seasons.
Is Carolina Cherry Laurel drought tolerant?
Yes — once established, Carolina Cherry Laurel is highly drought tolerant, making it a great option for low-maintenance landscapes.
What kind of sunlight does Carolina Cherry Laurel need?
Carolina Cherry Laurel grows best in full sun to partial shade, with fuller, denser foliage when planted in more sun.
Is Carolina Cherry Laurel safe for pets?
No, Carolina Cherry Laurel is not pet-friendly. Its leaves and berries can be toxic if ingested, so keep pets and livestock away.
How often should I water a Carolina Cherry Laurel?
During the first growing season, water at least once a week. After establishment, water every 10–14 days during hot or dry periods.
Can Carolina Cherry Laurel be used as a hedge?
Yes — Carolina Cherry Laurel is one of the best evergreen hedging plants, responding extremely well to trimming and shaping.
What type of soil does Carolina Cherry Laurel prefer?
Carolina Cherry Laurel thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Does Carolina Cherry Laurel produce berries?
Yes, Carolina Cherry Laurel produces small black berries after flowering in spring. They add seasonal interest but should not be eaten.
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