Carolina Cherry Laurel
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Fast (2-3 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Carolina Cherry Laurel
Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is a fast-growing native evergreen tree that forms a dense screen of glossy dark-green leaves, reaching 20-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, and is one of the quickest broadleaf evergreens available for Georgia privacy plantings, growing 2-3 feet per year once established. Small white flowers appear in early spring, followed by small black fruit that birds readily eat. As a Southeastern native, it is naturally suited to Gwinnett County's clay soils and climate, tolerating both drought and periods of wet weather better than many non-native screening shrubs, and it handles heat and humidity without issue. It responds very well to shearing and is commonly maintained as a formal hedge as well as left to grow into a small tree for a taller screen. All parts of the plant, leaves, bark, and seeds, contain cyanogenic compounds and are toxic if ingested, so it should be sited away from areas where pets or children might chew on fallen leaves or fruit.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 20-25 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 10-15 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate — drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season | Early Spring |
| Growth Rate | Fast (2-3 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | Yes |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Carolina Cherry Laurel adapts to a wide range of Georgia soils including clay, and tolerates both sun and part shade. Space plants 6-8 feet apart for a fast-filling screen, or 4-5 feet for a tight formal hedge. Water weekly the first season; it becomes drought tolerant once established. Prune after spring flowering if a more formal shape is desired; avoid planting where pets can access dropped leaves or fruit.
Great For
Fast Facts
- Georgia native evergreen, mature height 20-25 ft
- Fast growth: 2-3 ft per year
- White spring flowers followed by bird-attracting black fruit
- Tolerates both drought and periodically wet soil
- Deer resistant, responds well to shearing
- All plant parts are toxic to pets and humans if ingested
Pairs Well With
Carolina Cherry Laurel FAQs
Is Carolina Cherry Laurel fast growing?
Yes, Carolina Cherry Laurel grows 2-3 feet per year once established, making it one of the faster native evergreen options for privacy screening in Georgia. A young planting can form a solid screen within 3-4 years under good growing conditions.
Is Carolina Cherry Laurel poisonous?
Yes, all parts of Carolina Cherry Laurel, including leaves, bark, and seeds, contain cyanogenic compounds that are toxic if ingested by pets, livestock, or humans. Plant it away from areas where pets graze on fallen foliage, and supervise children around the fruit.