{"product_id":"prunus-laurocerasus-sofia-70cm-ball","title":"Prunus laurocerasus Sofia 70cm Ball","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"340\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"340\"\u003ePrunus laurocerasus ‘Sofia’ – Evergreen Laurel Ball for Formal Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"636\"\u003ePrunus laurocerasus ‘Sofia’ clipped into a neat ball form is a stylish evergreen topiary, valued for its dense glossy foliage and naturally compact habit. The rich dark green leaves create a full, rounded shape that provides year-round structure and strong architectural presence in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"638\" data-end=\"841\"\u003eCompared to larger cherry laurels, ‘Sofia’ remains more compact and refined, making it particularly suitable for formal planting schemes, patios, and smaller gardens where controlled growth is important.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003eIts dense foliage clips cleanly and maintains shape well, allowing the rounded form to remain crisp with minimal maintenance. Used individually, it creates an elegant focal point, while grouped planting adds rhythm and symmetry to pathways, entrances, and borders.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003eThriving in sun or partial shade, it performs well in most well-drained soils and offers reliable evergreen coverage throughout the year. Hardy and adaptable, it copes well with urban conditions and sheltered exposed sites once established.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1496\"\u003eNeat, versatile, and low maintenance, this laurel ball is an excellent choice for adding evergreen structure and formal definition to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"1498\" data-end=\"1501\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1526\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1526\"\u003eSeasonal Highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1528\" data-end=\"1732\"\u003eSpring: Fresh glossy growth enhances density.\u003cbr data-start=\"1573\" data-end=\"1576\"\u003eSummer: Dense evergreen foliage maintains shape.\u003cbr data-start=\"1624\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003eAutumn: Rounded structure continues to define spaces.\u003cbr data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003eWinter: Strong evergreen form remains attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1737\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1755\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1755\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1757\" data-end=\"1965\"\u003eBall topiary form – Neat rounded structure.\u003cbr data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1803\"\u003eGlossy foliage – Rich dark green leaves.\u003cbr data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1846\"\u003eEvergreen – Year-round interest.\u003cbr data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1881\"\u003eCompact habit – More controlled growth.\u003cbr data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1923\"\u003eLow maintenance – Easy to clip and manage.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1970\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"1987\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"1987\"\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1989\" data-end=\"2206\"\u003eFormal gardens – Structured evergreen planting.\u003cbr data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2039\"\u003eEntrances – Elegant framing feature.\u003cbr data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2078\"\u003eContainers – Patio and terrace planting.\u003cbr data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2121\"\u003eBorders – Adds rhythm and definition.\u003cbr data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2161\"\u003eFeature planting – Architectural focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2208\" data-end=\"2211\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2229\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2229\"\u003eGrowing Tips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2422\"\u003eSun\/Position: Sun or partial shade.\u003cbr data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2269\"\u003eSoil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to most types.\u003cbr data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2328\"\u003eHardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.\u003cbr data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2364\"\u003eCare: Trim lightly once or twice yearly to maintain shape.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2424\" data-end=\"2427\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2449\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2449\"\u003eLooks Great With\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2669\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eTopiary forms – Combine with cones and standards.\u003cbr data-start=\"2500\" data-end=\"2503\"\u003eLavender – Soft contrast beneath.\u003cbr data-start=\"2536\" data-end=\"2539\"\u003eGrasses – Adds movement around structure.\u003cbr data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2583\"\u003ePhotinia – Contrasting foliage colour.\u003cbr data-start=\"2621\" data-end=\"2624\"\u003eEvergreens – Layered formal planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56571159839046,"sku":"172683","price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/acf66747-e296-420a-984b-db4ecc013d1c.jpg?v=1778747099","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/prunus-laurocerasus-sofia-70cm-ball","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}