Prunus laurocerasus 'Hibani'

• Pollinators: Bees are attracted to the spring flowers
  
  
• Birds: May benefit from the shelter provided by the dense, evergreen foliage
  
  

Deer Resistance: Moderate – cherry laurels can be browsed occasionally depending on local wildlife pressure

• Seasonality: Evergreen – retains leaves year-round
  
  

Flowering Season: Spring (typically April to May)

• Low Hedges & Borders – Ideal for short, structured edges with year-round foliage
  
• Foundation Planting – Compact size makes it perfect around buildings or patios
  
• Containers & Courtyards – Performs well in pots with regular care
  
• Groundcover Mass Planting – Dense foliage creates a uniform look in shade or part-shade areas
  
• Understory Planting – Works well beneath taller shrubs or trees due to its shade tolerance
  
• Urban or Formal Gardens – Tidy habit suits structured, low-maintenance landscapes
  
  

• Color: Deep, glossy green
  
  
• Shape: Oblong to elliptical, with smooth edges and leathery texture
  
  
• Evergreen Qualities: Provides lush coverage and structure in all seasons
  
  

Growth Habit: Neat and compact, perfect for low hedging or border planting

Upright clusters of small, creamy white, fragrant flowers that appear above the foliage, attracting bees and other early-season pollinators

• Best Time to Plant: Spring or fall for optimal root establishment
  
  
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soils including clay and sandy types
  
  
• pH Preference: Slightly acidic to neutral
  
  

Spacing: 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a dense hedge; more for specimen planting

• When to Prune: Late spring or early summer after flowering
  
  
• How to Prune: Light trimming to shape or maintain size; can tolerate harder pruning if rejuvenation is needed
  
  

Maintenance Level: Low – slow growth means minimal trimming is required

• New Plants: Keep well-watered during the first year after planting
  
  
• Established Plants: Drought-tolerant once mature; water during extended dry periods
  
  

Drainage Tip: Avoid poorly drained areas or heavy waterlogging

• Best Performance: Full sun to part shade
  
  
• Adaptability: Tolerates deep shade, though flowering may be reduced
  
  

Urban Tolerance: Handles city conditions, including pollution and compacted soils

Glossy, deep green leaves are ornamental and can be harvested for use in floral arrangements or holiday decor

Prune in late spring or early summer to maintain shape or gather fresh stems

• When to Fertilize: Early spring before new growth begins
  
  
• How: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs
  
  

Mulching Tip: Apply mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to pests; watch for shot hole disease in wet or humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
  
  
• Cold & Heat Tolerance: Hardy in zones 6–9; protect from drying winds in cold climates with mulch and windbreaks if needed
  
  

Use in Landscape: Formal or informal low hedging, foundation planting, edging along pathways, container planting

• Pollinated By: Insects – primarily bees during the spring bloom
  
  

Fruiting: May produce small, red-to-black berries in late summer, which are generally ornamental and appreciated by birds (non-edible for humans)

Pair Prunus laurocerasus 'Hibani' with plants that contrast its dark foliage or complement its neat form:

For Texture & Color Contrast:

• Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' or 'Fire Alarm'
  
  
• Hakonechloa macra (Japanese forest grass)
  
  
• Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
  
  

For Structure & Balance:

Buxus microphylla (dwarf boxwood)

Ilex crenata 'Compacta'

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'

• For Seasonal Interest:
  
  
• Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
  
  
• Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'
  
  
• Pieris japonica 'Cavatine'