Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as English Laurel, is an excellent choice for formal hedges and privacy screens due to its dense branching and broad, leathery, dark green foliage. While this fast-growing evergreen shrub is commonly planted in groups to create hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks, it can also be trained or pruned into a small tree, topiary, or a standalone lush shrub.

In spring, English Laurel, also known as Cherry Laurel, produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom along upright spikes, reaching up to 5 inches in length. While the flowers are not overly flashy, they fill the garden with a pleasant sweet scent. The 6-inch long leaves, when crushed, release a scent reminiscent of almonds. Under optimal conditions, Prunus laurocerasus can grow 2-3 feet per year.