Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: February 7, 2008
| Bright N Tight Cherry Laurel |
| Prunus caroliniana 'Bright N Tight' |
Species Native Range: Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-10
Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall x 10-15 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun to medium shade
Soil: Average, well-drained
Drought Tolerance: Very good
Ease of Culture: Easy
Miscellaneous: All parts are highly toxic; deer-resistant
Bright N Tight is a cultivar of our native cherry laurel noted for its dense pyramidal growth habit of evergreen leaves with
white spring flowers and dark blue berries (drupes) in summer. This large shrub is fairly shade tolerant making it an excellent choice
for a screen in partial to medium shade. The shiny dark green leaves make a good backdrop for other plants, hardscaping
or other garden focal points.
BNT cherry laurel is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and once established has very good drought tolerance. Although
toxic to people and pets, birds are attracted to the shrub for its dense evergreen cover and blue-black fruit in the summer
and fall. The straight species of this plant is noted for its tendency to produce numerous seedlings.
Use BNT cherry laurel as a screen, hedge or specimen planting in a formal, natural or wildlife garden.
Good companion plants include: roses (sun), loropetalums,
various conifers (sun), azaleas (part shade), hydrangeas (part shade) and a wide variety of other plants.
Sources
This plant is widely available from retail nurseries and garden centers.
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