Prunus laurocerasus 'JM34' KLEOPATRA® cherry laurel, English laurel

KLEOPATRA® is a Hungarian cherry laurel variety bred by Dr. Józsa Miklos and introduced in 2007. It forms a compact, graceful shrub with spreading branches and dark green, glossy, leathery, evergreen leaves. They emerge coppery orange just like on ETNA® variety and can be distinguished by broadly elliptical to oval shape with a tip while ETNA’s leaves have almost rounded ends. KLEOPATRA® grows slowly to moderately (20-30 cm per year) into a dome-shaped, symmetrical shrub which does not need pruning to be elegant.

In April or May appear compound inflorescences made of small, white, fragrant flowers. They are followed by glossy black berries which, as recent studies confirmed, are not poisonous. Only seeds from unripe fruit if properly chewed may cause discomfort since they contain the same toxin as bitter almonds (source: Plants For A Future - pfaf.org).

Laurels need slightly deep and fertile, acidic, moist soil, and extra watering in frost-free periods in winter to prevent from drying out before the ground gets frozen. It will thrive in full sun or part shade, and will also tolerate being grown in full shade. It seldom suffers from chlorosis (leaves turning yellow owing to lack of iron in the soil) but when it does use a special liquid soil pH balancer to keep it acidic which will help the plant absorb iron. KLEOPATRA® is hardy to min. -25 °C (USDA zone 6) and withstands a few degrees lower for a short period of time. Its roots are hardy enough to allow year-round cultivation in large outdoor planters.

Last update 17-01-2012; 04-03-2023