Images Depict Mature Plants

Otto Luyken Laurel

Q: How big does Otto Luyken Laurel get at maturity?

Otto Luyken Laurel is a compact evergreen shrub that reaches 3–4 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide at full maturity. Its low, spreading form makes it an ideal choice for foundation plantings, small hedges, and borders where a dense, evergreen presence is desired. Unlike larger laurels, this dwarf variety fits easily into smaller landscapes, offering a refined, manageable size without sacrificing the glossy green foliage and spring blooms that make laurels so popular.

Q: How fast does Otto Luyken Laurel grow each year?

Otto Luyken Laurel has a moderate growth rate of 6–10 inches per year, making it easier to control than faster-growing hedge shrubs. Over time, it fills in beautifully to create a dense evergreen screen or hedge without requiring constant trimming. This steady growth is perfect for low-maintenance landscapes. Gardeners can enjoy a shrub that grows fast enough to establish a hedge but slowly enough to maintain its compact shape and polished look.

Q: Can Otto Luyken Laurel grow in shade?

Yes—Otto Luyken Laurel is highly shade-tolerant, which makes it an excellent choice for north-facing foundations, woodland edges, or shaded borders. While it performs well in full sun, it truly shines where many other evergreens fail—holding its deep green foliage and healthy growth even in partial to full shade. This adaptability allows homeowners to use it in challenging light conditions, making it one of the most versatile compact evergreen shrubs available for mixed-light gardens.

Q: How does Otto Luyken Laurel compare to Schip Laurel?

Otto Luyken Laurel is a smaller, dwarf variety that matures around 3–4 feet tall, while Schip Laurel (Schipkaensis) grows taller—typically 10–12 feet—and is often used for larger hedges or screens. Both are shade-tolerant, deer-resistant evergreens, but their uses differ depending on the scale of the planting. Gardeners often choose Otto Luyken Laurel for compact hedges, borders, and foundation plantings, while Schip Laurel works better for tall privacy screens. Using both together in a landscape can create layered evergreen structure at varying heights.

Q: Is Otto Luyken Laurel deer-resistant?

Yes—Otto Luyken Laurel is considered deer-resistant, as its tough evergreen foliage is not a preferred food source for deer. This makes it a smart choice for suburban or rural landscapes where deer pressure can destroy other hedge plants like arborvitae. Combined with its compact size, cold hardiness, and shade adaptability, Otto Luyken Laurel is one of the most dependable evergreen shrubs for year-round structure in deer-prone areas.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'

“The Otto Luyken Laurel is one of my go-to shrubs for small-space landscaping because it delivers so much—fragrant spring flowers, glossy evergreen leaves, and natural deer resistance—all in a compact, easy-care package. It’s one of those shrubs that looks great in formal hedges or casual borders and requires very little maintenance to shine. If you want an evergreen foundation plant that never goes out of style, Otto Luyken Laurel is a winner.”

$29.95 USD

1 Gallon Pot

3 Gallon Pot

Single

10-Pack

Low Stock: Remaining

Quantity

- +

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.

Woodies Root Booster Fertilizer

Woodies Select 4-4-4 Organic Fertilizer

Soil Soaker Hose

Espoma Plant-Tone

Otto Luyken Laurel – Compact Evergreen Hedge Shrub with Fragrant White Blooms

A versatile evergreen for small spaces.
The Otto Luyken Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’) is a compact, dwarf variety of Cherry Laurel prized for its dense, glossy evergreen foliage and fragrant white flower spikes in spring. This shrub is the perfect choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, and shaded borders, bringing year-round structure and seasonal interest to the garden.

Compact size with dense growth.
Unlike larger laurels, Otto Luyken Laurel grows to a manageable 3–4 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, making it ideal for tight spaces or formal landscapes. Its upright, spreading habit creates a natural, uniform hedge that requires minimal pruning. With its ability to grow well in sun or partial shade, this shrub adapts to a wide range of garden conditions.

Evergreen foliage and seasonal flowers.
The glossy, dark-green leaves of Otto Luyken Laurel provide a rich backdrop for other plants year-round. In spring, upright clusters of fragrant white flowers emerge, attracting pollinators and adding a burst of seasonal charm. Its evergreen presence and spring blooms make it a reliable and ornamental shrub for both formal gardens and naturalized plantings.

Low-maintenance and resilient.
Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, Otto Luyken Laurel is both cold-hardy and low-maintenance. It is naturally deer-resistant, tolerant of pruning, and drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent investment for long-term landscaping. Whether you’re designing a compact hedge, shady garden border, or foundation planting, Otto Luyken Laurel delivers lasting beauty with minimal effort.

Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel Shrub Plant Guide

How to Plant Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel Shrubs

Growzone: 6-9

Hardiness Zone:	6-9
Mature Height:	3 to 4 feet
Mature Width:	4 to 6 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 Otto Luyken Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ care and planting guide

How do I plant Otto Luyken Laurel shrubs?

Choose a location with well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub so the root ball sits level with the soil surface, backfill halfway, water thoroughly, then finish filling and water again. For a low hedge, space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow them to grow together naturally. Finish by applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Otto Luyken Laurel adapts well to a range of soil types but thrives best in soils with moderate moisture.

How often should I water Otto Luyken Laurel after planting?

During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice per week until established, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Proper moisture is especially important during hot, dry spells in the first year. Once established, Otto Luyken Laurel becomes moderately drought-tolerant, only requiring occasional watering during extended dry periods. Mulching around the root zone helps conserve moisture and reduce watering needs.

When and how should I fertilize Otto Luyken Laurel?

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs. Apply evenly around the drip line and water well. This encourages fresh growth, glossy leaves, and abundant spring blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as laurels grow steadily without heavy feeding. A single spring application is usually sufficient to keep them looking vibrant and healthy throughout the year.

Does Otto Luyken Laurel need pruning?

Otto Luyken Laurel naturally maintains a compact, dense habit, but it can be lightly pruned after flowering to shape or control its size. Trim back long branches to maintain a neat, uniform hedge. Because of its slow to moderate growth rate, pruning needs are minimal compared to faster-growing shrubs. Even with little maintenance, it remains an elegant evergreen foundation plant.