Cherry laurel and Common yew 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.…
Taxus baccata 4 m × 2.1 m after 10 years
Its dense, dark green foliage makes a useful evergreen hedge or a clipped garden feature, even in shade. It tolerates pruning well, but eventually…
Cherry laurel is cheaper: about €12 at the size usually planted, against about €19 for Common yew.
|
Feature
|
Cherry laurel
|
Common yew
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 4 m × 2.1 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.6–6 m × 1–4 m | 10–20 m × 8–15 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | April–May, white | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 80 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €12 | approx. €19 |
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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