Cherry laurel and Red-tip photinia 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.…
Photinia × fraseri 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub for hedges and specimens whose new shoots emerge bright red and mature to glossy dark green; trimming in spring and summer brings…
Cherry laurel is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -18 °C for Red-tip photinia.
Cherry laurel also grows in shade, Red-tip photinia does not.
|
Feature
|
Cherry laurel
|
Red-tip photinia
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.6–6 m × 1–4 m | 1–6 m × 1–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part 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 | April–May, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 80 cm | 80 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €12 | approx. €14 |
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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