A mature Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Flowering tree · Foundation · Hedge · Mass planting · Small tree · Specimen · Coastal

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Carolina Cherry Laurel

Prunus caroliniana · Perennial

Carolina Cherry Laurel is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 7-10, that matures to about 15–20 ft × 10–15 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect white blooms in winter and spring. It attracts bees, butterflies and pollinators, stands up well to deer and drought and salt.

USDA zones: 7-10
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 15–20 ft × 10–15 ft
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
Bloom color: White
Bloom season: Winter, Spring
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Deer, Drought, Salt
Toxic to: People
Native to: Southern United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Carolina Cherry Laurel’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10