Hedge

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 -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about PLN 7.

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 -23 °C
Foliage
Evergreen
Flowering
April–May, white

All details

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 -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
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 Medium
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 PLN 7

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. PLN 16
30-60 cm approx. PLN 12
60-100 cm approx. PLN 55
100-150 cm approx. PLN 130
150-200 cm approx. PLN 250

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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