Cherry laurel and Ebbing's silverberry are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Prunus laurocerasus 3 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing evergreen with glossy leaves and one of the most popular hedging plants: it grows in sun and shade alike and takes hard pruning well.…
Elaeagnus × ebbingei 2.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A vigorous, dense evergreen shrub with leathery leaves that are glossy dark green above and silvery beneath, bearing tiny, barely visible but strongly…
Cherry laurel is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -18 °C for Ebbing's silverberry.
Ebbing's silverberry tolerates drought better than Cherry laurel.
Ebbing's silverberry is non-toxic to dogs, cats and children, Cherry laurel is not.
Cherry laurel is cheaper: about €12 at the size usually planted, against about €27 for Ebbing's silverberry.
|
Feature
|
Cherry laurel
|
Ebbing's silverberry
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 2.5 m × 2.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.6–6 m × 1–4 m | 2.4–4 m × 2.4–4 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | April–May, white | September–November, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 80 cm | 60 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Non-toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Non-toxic |
| For children | Toxic | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €12 | approx. €27 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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