Images Depict Mature Plants
Dwarf English Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus 'Nana'
Dwarf English Laurel is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy foliage and natural shape, making it ideal for low-maintenance formal hedges. Perfect for foundation plantings, borders, or privacy screens, it thrives in sun or shade and adds year-round structure to any landscape.
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Dwarf English Laurel for Sale Online
Dwarf English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Nana’) is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy green foliage and naturally tidy habit. Unlike its full-sized relative, this dwarf variety stays small and manageable, typically growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for low hedges, foundation plantings, or formal borders. Its leathery leaves provide year-round color and texture, while delicate white flower spikes in spring add a touch of seasonal charm and attract pollinators.
This versatile shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited to a variety of soil types as long as they’re well-draining. It’s also drought tolerant once established, making it a great choice for low-maintenance and water-wise landscapes. The compact form of Dwarf English Laurel responds well to pruning and can be easily shaped into neat hedges or geometric forms, lending a polished look to both modern and traditional garden styles.
Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, Dwarf English Laurel is also known for its deer resistance, making it a reliable option for rural or suburban landscapes. Whether planted as a short privacy screen, a tidy border, or in containers flanking entryways, this evergreen shrub delivers year-round structure, glossy foliage, and refined beauty with minimal upkeep. Its easy-care nature and rich green color make it a favorite for gardeners and landscape designers alike.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Densely branched, spreading |
| Foliage: | Dark green evergreen leaves |
| Flower Color: | White fragrant flowers that produce black fruit |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in spring after flowering |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, foundations, or planted in mass. Works well as a hedge |
How to Care for Dwarf English Laurel
Once you buy a Dwarf English Laurel, make sure to read about the care instructions that are recommended to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant a Dwarf English Laurel?
Planting a Dwarf English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Nana’) starts with choosing the right location—this evergreen shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Begin by digging a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, loosening the soil to encourage root expansion. Place the shrub in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets. Water deeply after planting to help the roots settle and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot. Space Dwarf English Laurels about 3 to 4 feet apart if you're planting them as a hedge or border, allowing enough room for their mature size. These shrubs are versatile and adapt well to a range of soil types, but they do best in areas with moderate moisture and good air circulation. Once established, they are drought tolerant and low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for foundation plantings, formal borders, or evergreen backdrops. With proper planting and a little early care, Dwarf English Laurel will reward you with year-round greenery, deer resistance, and easy shaping potential for a polished, long-lasting landscape feature.
How do I water Dwarf English Laurels?
Watering your Dwarf English Laurel correctly is crucial for establishing a healthy, resilient shrub that delivers year-round beauty. During the first growing season, water deeply 2–3 times per week, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. Deep watering encourages the development of strong roots, which improves drought tolerance over time. Focus on watering at the base of the plant rather than overhead to reduce the risk of fungal diseases on the dense, glossy foliage. Applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Once established, Dwarf English Laurel becomes moderately drought tolerant, but it still benefits from occasional deep watering during hot or dry periods. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger a few inches into the ground—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, especially in poorly draining soils, as this can lead to root rot. Proper watering not only supports lush, evergreen foliage but also promotes long-term vigor, making this compact shrub a standout choice for low hedges, foundation plantings, and formal landscape borders.
How do I fertilize my Dwarf English Laurel?
Fertilizing your Dwarf English Laurel helps support lush foliage, strong root development, and overall plant health. In early spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 formula around the base of the shrub, being careful to keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Water thoroughly after application to help the nutrients reach the root zone. For established plants, one spring feeding is typically sufficient, though an additional light application in midsummer can boost growth, especially if the shrub is used as a formal hedge or foundation plant. For an organic option, you can top-dress with compost or well-aged manure, which gradually enriches the soil and improves moisture retention. Dwarf English Laurel prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, so monitor the pH if the plant shows signs of yellowing leaves, which may indicate a nutrient imbalance. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to overly vigorous leafy growth at the expense of density and shape. With the right fertilization schedule, this compact evergreen shrub will maintain its signature glossy green leaves and dense form, ideal for low hedges, borders, and year-round landscape structure.
How and When do I Prune my Dwarf English Laurel?
Pruning Dwarf English Laurel is best done in late spring to early summer, after the plant has finished its flush of new growth. This compact evergreen responds well to pruning, making it ideal for low-maintenance hedges, formal borders, or shaped foundation plantings. Use sharp, clean shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and shape the plant to your desired size and form. Light trimming encourages dense, bushy growth and helps maintain its naturally rounded habit. For a more manicured look, you can perform a second, lighter pruning in late summer. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter, as this can leave new growth vulnerable to frost damage and reduce the plant’s vigor heading into the dormant season. Always prune just above a leaf node to encourage healthy branching, and never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Regular pruning will not only keep your Dwarf English Laurel looking tidy and compact but also improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of disease. With consistent care, this evergreen shrub will retain its lush, glossy foliage and strong landscape presence year-round.
