What soil does Cherry laurel 'Novita' grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Cherry laurel 'Novita' hardy?

Hardy down to -20 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Cherry laurel 'Novita' be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Cherry laurel 'Novita' be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1.5 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 1.5 plants per metre.

How much water does Cherry laurel 'Novita' need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Cherry laurel 'Novita' cost?

It sells for roughly €2.80 to €110 in local shops, depending on size.

Cherry laurel 'Novita'

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita'

Cherry laurel 'Novita' (Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita') is a hedge plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -20 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €2.80.

Illustration of Cherry laurel 'Novita' — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

For a fast-growing screen that stays leafy all year, 'Novita' offers large, glossy leaves, but needs regular clipping and watering while establishing. Give it well-drained soil and avoid strongly chalky ground. Its poisonous parts and ability to spread by seed make alternatives worth considering around young children, pets that chew plants, or natural habitats.

Watch out for

Shot-hole symptoms, leaf spots and powdery mildew can occur, while waterlogging can cause root rot. Strongly calcareous soil can cause chlorosis; dry, sunny or windy sites increase the risk of leaf scorch and winter desiccation, and late spring frosts can damage young shoots. In parts of Central Europe, bird-dispersed seeds allow it to colonise woodland and displace native vegetation. Sale and import have been prohibited in Switzerland since 1 September 2024; avoid planting beside natural habitats.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4.5 m × 3.5 m
Hardiness: down to -20 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white

Group	Hedge
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	4.5 m × 3.5 m
Ultimate size	4–5 m × 4–5 m
Hardiness	down to -20 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–May, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €2.80

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
under 30 cm	approx. €5
30-60 cm	approx. €3.50
100-150 cm	approx. €60
150-200 cm	approx. €79
size not stated	approx. €41

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Plants for screening Evergreen plants Fragrant plants

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

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Cherry laurel 'Novita' vs Cherry laurel Cherry laurel 'Novita' vs Ebbing's silverberry

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