Three new disease-resistant cherry laurel varieties from Concept Plants | Concept Plants, and Upshoot
Concept Plants has introduced a new, improved line of cherry laurels that will be available for preview at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS), held Jan. 8-10, 2025.
While many cherry laurels perform well in warmer climates, the new introductions from Concept Plants tolerate cooler climates, while still growing beautifully in warmer zones. Two varieties, Volcano and Greenfinity, are hardy to USDA Zone 5a, while the third, Green Goblet, is hardy to USDA Zone 6b. The improved cold tolerance opens new markets for the trade of selling cherry laurels in more northern climates.
“We’re very pleased with the performance of the Laurel Trio,” says Ken McVicker, Sales and Marketing Manager with Woodburn Nursery and Azaleas in Oregon and a grower partner with Concept Plants. “The cultural performance in production, as well as the response we are receiving from the marketplace, has been very strong, and we are continuing to increase production as the demand grows.”
Along with improved cold tolerance, the new cherry laurels feature glossier evergreen leaves, improved resistance to shot-hole disease, and colorful new growth. The new introductions include:
Volcano (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Volcano’) | Concept Plants
Volcano (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Volcano’), is a compact shrub with a very bushy habit, growing approximately 60 inches tall and 47 inches wide. Shiny, dark-green foliage stays evergreen all year, with new shoots emerging bronze-red for added color and interest. (USDA Zone 5a)
Greenfinity (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Greenfinity) | Concept Plants
Greenfinity (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Greenfinity), is a compact, bushy shrub, growing approximately 60 inches tall and 47 inches wide. The shiny green, healthy evergreen foliage looks lovely all year, with light, lime-green new growth adding interest to the landscape. (USDA Zone 5a)
Green Goblet (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Green Goblet’) | Concept Plants
For a shorter but bushy, lush shrub, try Green Goblet (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Green Goblet’). Reaching only 48 inches high and 60 inches wide, Green Goblet sports glossy evergreen leaves and bronze-red new shoots, contrasting nicely with the rich green, mature leaves. (USDA Zone 6b)
All three cherry laurel varieties grow well in sun or semi-shade conditions in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. The shrubs work beautifully in mass planting, landscaping, hedges, or grown individually as a specimen.
“We’re very excited to share our newest cherry laurels with the market,” says Peter Van Rijssen, partner with Concept Plants. “The breeders we represent know what the industry wants: hardier, more disease-resistant plants that look great and perform beautifully in gardens and landscapes. Our newest line delivers exceptional quality, nicely compact sizes, and great color on new growth. What’s not to love?”
“We’re very impressed with the performance and presentation of these newest laurels, not only in production but in the landscape from Michigan down to the Carolinas,” says McVicker. “They stand out to our customers and sales teams for their stately, refined look in three different size classes, as well as foliage density, color, and forms, creating a strong demand.”
Volcano, Greenfinity, and Green Goblet will be available for preview at the Woodburn Nursery, Booth 851 at MANTS. Stop by for more information.
For more information about the new and improved cherry laurels, visit the Concept Plants website.
