Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon'
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is a cultivar of Prunus laurocerasus, also known as cherry laurel. This versatile and hardy plant is popular for landscaping and horticulture due to its distinctive growth habit, foliage, and landscape use. Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' was first introduced in 1839 by George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon. In this post, we will explore Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon', as well as its hardiness and disease resistance.
Growth Habit
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that typically grows 1 to 2 ft. tall, spreading 5 to 8 ft. wide. Its shape generally is pyramidal, with a dense and compact habit. The plant produces thick, glossy leaves that are dark green, making it an ideal choice for hedging and privacy screens.
Foliage
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is an evergreen plant that retains its foliage throughout the year. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are oval with a glossy dark green color. They are typically 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long and 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide. The leaves are thick and leathery, making them resistant to pests and disease.
Flowers/Seeds/Fruits/Cones
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in the spring, followed by small black berries in the summer. These berries are not typically used for culinary or ornamental purposes.
Native Range
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is a cultivar of Prunus laurocerasus, which is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia.
Hardiness Zones
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) and as high as 105°F (41°C).
Landscape Use
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is a versatile plant used in various landscape settings. Its dense, glossy foliage and pyramidal shape make it an ideal choice for formal gardens. It is commonly used as a hedge or privacy screen and can also be used as a specimen plant, in foundation plantings, or mixed borders.
Disease Resistance
Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is known for its disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance plant. It is resistant to pests and diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot.
Similar Plants
Plants similar in characteristics, size, and habit to Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon', some options include:
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa': This evergreen shrub is commonly known as dwarf boxwood and is often used for hedging and topiary. It grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters).
Ilex crenata 'Convexa': This evergreen shrub is often used for hedging and topiary. It grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters).
Taxus baccata 'Repandens': This evergreen shrub is commonly known as spreading yew and is often used for hedging and topiary. It grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters).
In conclusion, Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' is a versatile and hardy plant well-suited for various landscape settings. Its dense, glossy foliage and pyramidal shape make it an ideal choice for hedging and privacy screens, and its disease resistance makes it a low-maintenance option. If you're looking for similar plants, consider alternatives such as Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa,' Ilex crenata 'Convexa,' and Taxus baccata 'Repandens.'
References:
"Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon'." Monrovia, Monrovia, www.monrovia.com/plant/prunus-laurocerasus-mt-vernon/. This website provides detailed information about the growth habit, foliage, landscape use, and disease resistance of Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon'. It also includes a variety of high-quality images of the plant.
"Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' - Plant Finder." Missouri Botanical Garden, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282070&isprofile=0&. This website provides information about the hardiness zones, native range, and landscape use of Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon', as well as a description of the plant's characteristics and growing conditions.
"Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon' - Cherry Laurel." Royal Horticultural Society, Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/2959/Prunus-laurocerasus-Mt-Vernon/Details. This website provides information about the origin, growth habit, and foliage of Prunus laurocerasus 'Mt. Vernon', as well as tips for caring for and maintaining the plant. It also includes a section on common pests and diseases that may affect the plant.