Common name: Cherry Laurel

Description: Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' is a vigorous and handsome evergreen cherry laurel with large, broad, very glossy, deep green leaves that create a lush, dense, and highly effective screen or hedge. In spring, upright spikes of small white flowers are produced, followed by black berries in autumn that are valuable for birds. One of the most reliable and fast-growing hedging plants for UK gardens, 'Novita' is tolerant of shade, pollution, and a wide range of soils, making it highly versatile and easy to establish.

Other benefits: very fast-growing, dense screening, tolerates shade and pollution, wildlife berries

Wildlife attraction: bees visit the spring flowers; birds including blackbirds and thrushes eat the berries

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4m x 3m (unclipped)

Position: full sun to full shade

Soil pH: neutral; adaptable to most soils

Moisture: moist but well-drained; tolerates dry shade once established

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -20°C