Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' – The Hardy and Resilient Laurel for Year-Round Structure and Beauty

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita', commonly known as Cherry Laurel 'Novita', is a robust and versatile evergreen shrub that offers dense, dark green foliage and a well-structured growth habit. Known for its resilience and adaptability, this variety of cherry laurel thrives in a variety of growing conditions and is perfect for creating hedges, privacy screens, or as an attractive backdrop in mixed borders. With its fast growth, glossy leaves, and ability to tolerate both sun and shade, Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' provides year-round beauty, structure, and ecological value to any garden.

Why Grow Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita'?

• Dense Evergreen Foliage – The large, glossy dark green leaves create a dense screen, providing privacy, windbreak, or structure throughout the year.
• Fast-Growing – This variety is known for its vigorous growth, making it an excellent choice for creating quick hedges, screens, or large borders in a short period.
• Tolerant of Shade – 'Novita' is especially valued for its ability to thrive in both sun and deep shade, making it ideal for a variety of garden situations, including shaded areas or beneath trees.
• Hardy & Resilient – This cherry laurel variety is well-suited to a range of soil types and growing conditions, including urban environments, clay soils, and coastal regions.
• Low Maintenance – Once established, 'Novita' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than occasional pruning to maintain its form and keep it looking tidy.

Where to Site Your Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita'
This adaptable shrub thrives in various garden settings, including:

• Hedges & Screens, providing privacy, windbreaks, or a neat, evergreen backdrop.
• Shaded Areas, where its ability to tolerate deep shade allows it to flourish even in more difficult conditions.
• Urban Gardens, as it tolerates pollution and poor soil, making it an ideal choice for city landscapes.
• Mixed Borders, where its rich foliage can contrast beautifully with flowering plants or other shrubs.

How to Grow and Care for Your Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita'

• Soil – Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
• Light – Thrives in both full sun and partial to deep shade, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden situations.
• Watering – Regular watering is essential during the growing season, especially in dry spells, but once established, it is drought-tolerant.
• Maintenance:
  • Pruning – Regular pruning can help maintain the shrub's compact form and promote dense, bushy growth. It can be trimmed after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of foliage.
  • Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes.
• Pest & Disease Resistance – Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' is generally pest and disease-resistant, though it may occasionally be affected by aphids, leaf spot, or powdery mildew. Routine inspection helps keep the plant healthy.

Perfect Plant Combinations
Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' pairs well with other evergreen shrubs, such as boxwoods, hollies, and yews, creating a lush, year-round backdrop. Its dense foliage and glossy leaves also make it an excellent choice for contrasting with flowering plants or perennials, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, or hostas.

With its fast-growing, resilient nature and dense, glossy foliage, Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' is an excellent choice for creating privacy, adding structure, or enhancing your garden with a low-maintenance, evergreen solution. Whether used as part of a hedge, privacy screen, or as an ornamental shrub, it provides year-round interest and a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

Prunus laurel Novita Pleached150cm Stem, 100cm H x 120cm W Frame Pre Order For June Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Fast Growing White Evergreen

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.