‘Otto Luyken’ cherry laurel is a compact cultivar evergreen shrub that grows to 3 to 4 feet tall and spreads to 6 to 8 feet. Over time it can grow 6-10 feet tall. It has upright stems, dark green glossy leaves, and fragrant, small, creamy white, cup-shaped flowers that are arranged in 3 to 6-inch long racemes. Flowering occurs from April to May. The flowers give way to small purple to black drupes in the late summer and fall. The leaves pointed upwards from the stems, which is a distinctive feature of this cultivar. The fruits are inedible and poisonous; therefore, exercise caution with children and pets. This cultivar is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family.
This cultivar is best planted in full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained, loamy soils. It tolerates shade and prefers it in hotter climates. The shrub is also tolerant of alkaline soils, dry and poor soils, pollution, and heavy pruning. It is moderately tolerant to salt but is intolerant of heavy fertilization. Free flowering can occur even in heavy shade. If pruning is required, it is best to prune after flowering has completed and use hand pruners. Avoid shearing which will mutilate the leaves.
Zone: 7-9
Mature Height: 3-4 ft
Mature Spread: 6-8 ft
Landscape Characteristics
Classification by Use
Habit
Foliage
