1 / 5

Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 5 to 8 feet
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Dark glossy green
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Partial to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; requires occasional pruning to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA Zone 6 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts birds for its berries

Shrubs

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Mount Vernon’

Dwarf English Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Mount Vernon' produces short, upright clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers in spring to early summer, although flowering is often sparse. Large, narrow, glossy dark green leaves are leathery and densely arranged along low, spreading branches, creating a lush evergreen carpet with bold texture throughout the year. Its slow-growing, prostrate habit develops into a broad, compact groundcover that remains naturally tidy without frequent shaping.

Light

Partial to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Slopes & Banks
Bird Gardens

Companion plants

Skimmia · Japanese maple · Ajuga · Autumn fern · Snowdrops · Hellebore

Design tip

‘Mount Vernon’ is a good choice for bringing a lush, finished look beneath taller shrubs or along the front of a planting. Its broad, glossy leaves create a rich green carpet year-round, while white spring flowers and dark berries add subtle seasonal interest.