Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' Bare Root

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' is an exceptionally vigorous evergreen hedging plant that combines the classic reliability and lustrous beauty of cherry laurel with superior hardiness. This robust variety is specifically bred for its tolerance of harsh and difficult conditions, making it the ideal choice for gardeners who need privacy screening quickly in cold and exposed gardens. With its large, glossy dark green leaves, remarkable cold tolerance, and ability to grow 50-75 cm per year in good conditions, 'Novita' offers all the benefits of traditional laurel hedging. These bare root plants establish reliably when planted during the dormant season, offering excellent value for gardeners seeking fast, dense, evergreen screening that provides year-round privacy and structure with minimal fuss.

Key Features

'Novita' produces large, glossy leaves that are among the most attractive of all cherry laurel varieties. The leaves are broadly oval to oblong, typically 15-20 cm long and 5-7 cm wide, creating a bold, substantial appearance. They're thick, leathery, and extremely glossy with a deep, rich dark green colour that appears almost polished, creating an attractive light-reflecting quality that brightens gardens and adds sophistication to plantings.

The foliage is evergreen, providing constant coverage, structure, and privacy throughout the year, including during winter when gardens can look bare and lacking in interest. The leaves are particularly large and healthy-looking compared to other laurel varieties, giving hedges a lush, well-fed appearance that looks impressive year-round.

In spring (April-May), the plant produces upright spikes of small, creamy-white flowers that emerge from the leaf axils. These flower racemes are typically 10-15 cm long, lightly fragrant, and attractive to bees and other early pollinators. However, regular hedge trimming usually prevents flowering, and 'Novita' is primarily grown for its foliage rather than flowers. If flowers are allowed to develop and are successfully pollinated, small black cherry-like fruits may appear in late summer.

The growth habit is vigorous, upright, and naturally dense with strong, sturdy branches. This is where 'Novita' truly excels – it's one of the fastest-growing laurel varieties available, typically achieving 50-75 cm of growth per year in good conditions (compared to 30-40 cm for standard laurel). This exceptional vigour means hedges establish rapidly and reach useful screening heights within just 2-3 years rather than 4-5 years for slower varieties.

At maturity, 'Novita' typically reaches 4-6 metres in height if left untrimmed, though it's easily maintained at any desired height from 1.5 metres upwards through regular pruning. The spread is usually 2-3 metres, though again this is easily controlled through trimming. The plant naturally produces dense growth from ground level upwards, making it excellent for creating solid, gap-free hedges that provide complete privacy.

'Novita' is particularly noted for its exceptional cold-hardiness – it's considerably more frost-resistant than common cherry laurel, tolerating temperatures down to -25°C without significant damage, making it reliable even in the coldest parts of Britain.

Growing Conditions

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' is exceptionally adaptable and will thrive in virtually any reasonably well-drained soil. It grows successfully in clay, loam, sandy, chalky, and even quite poor soils, and tolerates both acidic and alkaline conditions (pH 4.5-8.5). The plant isn't particularly demanding regarding soil fertility and will perform well even in impoverished ground, though the exceptional growth rate is naturally maximized in reasonably fertile soil with adequate moisture.

Good drainage is beneficial but the plant is quite forgiving – it tolerates brief waterlogging without problems and also has excellent drought tolerance once established. This adaptability makes it suitable for a very wide range of garden situations from heavy clay to free-draining sandy soils.

'Novita' thrives in full sun, partial shade, or even quite deep shade, making it valuable for a wide range of positions. Like all laurels, it's particularly useful for shady situations where many hedging plants struggle. The glossy foliage looks impressive in both sun and shade, though growth is naturally most vigorous in sun or light shade. In deep shade, growth rate may be somewhat reduced but the plant still performs well.

The shrub is exceptionally hardy throughout the UK and tolerates temperatures down to approximately -25°C or lower without significant damage – this superior cold tolerance is one of 'Novita's key advantages over common laurel, making it reliable even in Scotland, northern England, and exposed upland areas where other laurels might suffer winter damage.

'Novita' withstands urban pollution excellently, making it ideal for town and city gardens. It also tolerates coastal conditions reasonably well, though it appreciates some shelter from the harshest direct salt spray in very exposed maritime locations. The plant copes well with root competition from nearby trees and will grow successfully in challenging positions.

The combination of extreme cold tolerance, fast growth, and adaptability to various conditions makes 'Novita' one of the most reliable and versatile evergreen hedging plants available, particularly for gardeners in colder areas or those wanting rapid results.

Planting Instructions

Bare root Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' should be planted between November and March whilst the plants are dormant and the ground is workable – neither frozen solid nor waterlogged. Upon arrival, unwrap the plants immediately and check the roots are moist. If they appear dry, soak them in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours before planting. Plant as soon as possible after receipt for best establishment and to take advantage of the plant's vigorous growth.

Spacing: For formal hedging, space plants 60-75 cm apart for a hedge that fills in quickly – given 'Novita's vigorous growth, this wider spacing is adequate and more economical than closer planting. For a particularly dense hedge that establishes even faster, space at 50-60 cm apart (approximately two plants per metre). For very tall hedges or screening (over 3 metres), space at 75-90 cm apart. For specimen shrubs in mixed borders, allow 2.5-3 metres between plants to accommodate the vigorous spread.

Dig a trench for hedging (approximately 50 cm wide and 40 cm deep) or individual holes for specimen planting (twice the width of the root system and deep enough to accommodate roots comfortably). Keep the darker, more fertile topsoil separate from the paler subsoil. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the trench or hole thoroughly with a fork to improve drainage and encourage deep rooting, particularly important on heavy clay soils.

If your soil is particularly poor, heavy clay, or very free-draining, incorporate generous amounts of well-rotted compost or manure into the excavated topsoil – 'Novita's fast growth benefits from good soil preparation. Mix in a generous handful of general-purpose fertiliser, blood, fish and bone, or bone meal per metre of hedging to provide nutrients during the crucial establishment period. However, 'Novita' is tolerant and will grow adequately even in unimproved soil.

Position each plant in the trench or hole so that the previous soil mark on the stem sits level with the surrounding ground surface. Planting too deep can cause problems with establishment and may lead to collar rot. Spread the roots out naturally and evenly without cramping or circling them.

Backfill with the topsoil mixture, working it carefully around the roots to eliminate air pockets which can cause roots to dry out. Firm gently but thoroughly with your heel as you go – good, firm contact between roots and soil is absolutely crucial for establishment, particularly with fast-growing varieties. Once filled to ground level, firm once more and level off, creating a very slight depression along the hedge line to help direct water to the roots.

Water extremely thoroughly after planting – provide at least 15-20 litres per metre of hedging even if the weather is wet. This initial watering is crucial for settling soil around roots and ensuring good contact. Don't skimp on this step.

Apply a generous 7-10 cm layer of organic mulch such as bark chips, well-rotted compost, or leaf mould along the entire hedge line or around specimen plants, keeping it 10-15 cm clear of the stems themselves to prevent rot and discourage rodents. This mulch is particularly important for fast-growing hedging as it helps retain the moisture needed to support vigorous growth whilst suppressing competing weeds.

Care and Maintenance

Watering: Water generously and regularly during the first growing season, particularly during dry spells – fast-growing plants like 'Novita' have high water requirements during establishment. Provide approximately 15-25 litres per metre of hedging per week during dry weather in spring and summer. This generous watering in the first year supports the vigorous growth rate and helps establish the deep root system needed to sustain fast growth.

Once established (typically after the first year), 'Novita' is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged droughts. However, the plant will naturally grow faster and look better with adequate moisture, so occasional watering during dry summers will maintain the lush, glossy appearance.

Feeding: 'Novita's fast growth rate means it benefits more from feeding than slower-growing hedging plants. Apply a general-purpose fertiliser or blood, fish and bone in early spring (March) along the hedge line to encourage vigorous growth and maintain the large, glossy, dark green leaves. An additional feed in early summer (June) can support the continued growth if you want maximum speed.

Top up the mulch layer annually in spring with well-rotted manure or compost, which provides gentle, continuous nutrition whilst suppressing weeds and retaining moisture. This annual mulch is particularly beneficial for fast-growing hedges as it supports the nutrient demands of vigorous growth.

Trimming: For formal hedges, trim once or twice during the growing season to maintain a neat appearance and desired size. The best times are late spring (late May to early June) after any flowering, and again in late summer (late August to early September) if needed. Given 'Novita's exceptionally fast growth rate (50-75 cm per year), most hedges will require two cuts annually once they've reached the desired height.

Always use sharp hedge shears or a hedge trimmer to ensure clean cuts that heal quickly. For a more natural finish on smaller hedges, secateurs can be used to cut individual stems just above a leaf, though this is more time-consuming and impractical for long hedges. Try to avoid cutting through the middle of the large leaves as the cut edges turn brown and look unsightly – aim to cut just above where leaves join stems, though this is admittedly more challenging with vigorous growth.

Immediately after planting, cut back the top growth by about one-third to one-half to encourage bushy, dense growth from the base upwards. This initial hard pruning is essential for developing a thick, gap-free hedge from ground level. Don't be afraid to cut back hard – 'Novita' responds vigorously and the initial sacrifice in height results in much better long-term hedge quality.

In subsequent years, continue trimming to gradually shape the hedge to the desired height and width. A slight taper (wider at the base, narrower at the top) ensures lower branches receive adequate light and remain well-clothed right to the ground. Once the hedge reaches the desired height, continue trimming to maintain size.

If an old hedge becomes overgrown, bare at the base, or has outgrown its space, 'Novita' responds excellently to hard renovation pruning. Cut back hard in spring (April-May) and the vigorous growth will regenerate strongly, though the hedge will look bare for one season. This is one advantage of 'Novita' over slower-growing alternatives – recovery from hard pruning is rapid.

Mulching: Maintain the mulch layer for at least the first 3-5 years, topping it up annually. This is particularly important for fast-growing hedges which benefit from the moisture retention, weed suppression, and gradual nutrient release that mulch provides.

Weed Control: Keep a weed and grass-free strip along the hedge base for the first 3 years. Weeds compete for water and nutrients, which can significantly slow growth rates in fast-growing species during establishment.

Pest and Disease: Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' is generally very healthy and trouble-free. Occasionally affected by:

• Powdery mildew: Can cause white powdery coating on leaves, particularly in dry conditions with poor air circulation. Ensure adequate spacing and water during droughts. Usually cosmetic.

• Shothole disease: Causes small holes in leaves as affected tissue drops out. Usually not serious and doesn't affect plant health.

• Leaf spot: May cause brown spots on leaves but rarely harmful. Good air circulation helps prevent it.

• Vine weevil: Adults may notch leaf edges but damage is usually minor and cosmetic.

Generally, 'Novita' is remarkably healthy and requires no routine pest or disease treatment. Good spacing for air circulation and adequate watering prevent most problems.

Uses in the Garden

Fast Privacy Screening: The primary use for 'Novita' is creating fast-growing evergreen screens that provide privacy quickly – ideal for new gardens, newly overlooked properties, or situations where rapid results are needed.

Formal Hedging: Creates substantial formal hedges at any desired height from 1.5-4 metres, providing year-round structure, privacy, and boundary definition.

Security Hedging: The dense growth and substantial size make it excellent for security hedging along boundaries where a solid, impenetrable barrier is desired.

Windbreaks: The vigorous growth, dense foliage, and cold tolerance make it excellent for windbreaks and shelter belts in exposed gardens, protecting more delicate plants.

Sound Barrier: Dense evergreen hedges help reduce traffic noise and neighbourhood sounds, creating quieter, more peaceful gardens – particularly effective when hedges reach 2-3 metres.

Screening Unsightly Views: The fast growth makes it ideal for quickly screening bins, sheds, oil tanks, neighbouring buildings, or other eyesores.

Specimen Shrubs: Can be grown as large individual specimens in spacious borders, though the vigorous growth means regular pruning is needed to maintain size.

Restoration Planting: Perfect for quickly restoring gaps in existing hedges or replacing failed sections, as the fast growth soon matches surrounding plants.

Property Boundaries: Ideal for marking property boundaries quickly with a substantial, permanent, evergreen hedge.

Background Planting: Provides an excellent dark green backdrop for borders, making colourful flowers and lighter foliage stand out.

Advantages of 'Novita'

Exceptional growth rate: At 50-75 cm per year, 'Novita' is one of the fastest-growing evergreen hedging plants available, reaching useful heights within 2-3 years rather than 4-5 years for slower varieties.

Superior cold hardiness: Tolerates temperatures to -25°C or lower, making it reliable in the coldest parts of Britain where other laurels might suffer winter damage.

Large, attractive leaves: The glossy, dark green leaves are larger and more impressive than many laurel varieties, giving hedges a lush, healthy appearance.

Dense growth: Naturally produces thick, gap-free growth from ground level upwards without becoming bare at the base.

Evergreen coverage: Provides year-round privacy, structure, and greenery when deciduous hedging is bare.

Extremely hardy: Tolerates difficult conditions including shade, poor soil, pollution, and exposure admirably.

Cost-effective: The fast growth means you can plant fewer, smaller, less expensive plants and still achieve a substantial hedge quickly.

Reliable: Consistent performance year after year with minimal problems or special requirements.

Responds to hard pruning: Regenerates vigorously if cut back hard, making renovation of overgrown hedges straightforward.

Low maintenance: Once established, requires only 1-2 trims per year and minimal watering or feeding.

'Novita' vs Other Laurel Varieties

'Novita': Exceptionally fast growth (50-75 cm/year), superior cold tolerance (-25°C), large leaves, vigorous habit, best for rapid hedging.

Common Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): Moderate growth (30-40 cm/year), good cold tolerance (-15°C), medium-large leaves, reliable standard variety.

'Rotundifolia': Fast growth (40-60 cm/year), good cold tolerance (-20°C), very large rounded leaves, popular fast-growing variety, slightly less vigorous than 'Novita'.

'Etna': Compact slow growth (20-30 cm/year), good cold tolerance, narrow leaves, refined appearance, best for smaller gardens or manageable hedges.

'Caucasica': Moderate growth (30-40 cm/year), excellent cold tolerance (-20°C), upright narrow habit, good for narrow spaces.

Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica): Slow growth (15-30 cm/year), excellent cold tolerance, smaller darker leaves, more refined, better for formal settings, considerably slower.

Choose 'Novita' if you want the fastest possible evergreen hedge establishment, need superior cold tolerance, or want substantial screening in the shortest possible time.

Companion Planting

Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' provides an excellent dark green backdrop for a wide range of plants:

• Shade-tolerant perennials like hostas, ferns, astilbes, and brunnera in front of laurel hedges

• Spring bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and alliums planted along the hedge base for early colour

• Climbing roses, clematis, or honeysuckle trained against laurel hedges for seasonal flowers and scent

• Hydrangeas for contrasting form and summer flowers in partial shade

• Japanese anemones for late summer and autumn interest

• Hellebores and cyclamen for winter and early spring colour in shady positions

• Ornamental grasses for contrasting texture and movement

• White or pastel flowers which stand out brilliantly against the dark green backdrop

• Evergreen shrubs with different textures like box balls, yew pyramids, or holly for varied structure

The dark, glossy foliage creates an excellent unifying backdrop that makes mixed plantings more cohesive and helps bright colours stand out dramatically.

Seasonal Interest

Spring: Fresh new growth emerges bright, vibrant green, creating attractive contrast with older dark green foliage. This new growth is particularly vigorous and noticeable on 'Novita'. Upright spikes of creamy-white flowers appear in April-May if the hedge hasn't been trimmed, providing nectar for bees and a light, sweet fragrance.

Summer: Dense, lush, glossy dark green foliage provides substantial presence, privacy, and structure. The large leaves look particularly healthy and impressive. The vigorous growth is most evident during summer months. Regular trimming maintains neat, formal appearance.

Autumn: The evergreen foliage continues to provide structure, privacy, and colour as deciduous plants fade. Small black cherry-like fruits may appear if flowering wasn't prevented by trimming. New growth slows as temperatures cool.

Winter: The evergreen nature really shines in winter, providing essential structure, colour, greenery, and privacy when deciduous hedging is bare and many gardens look bleak. The glossy leaves look particularly attractive in winter light, when covered with frost, or glistening with rain. The superior cold tolerance means 'Novita' maintains better appearance through harsh winters than less hardy varieties.

Special Considerations

Vigorous growth: 'Novita's exceptional vigour is its greatest asset but requires awareness – the hedge will grow 50-75 cm per year and needs regular trimming once it reaches desired height. Not suitable for gardeners wanting minimal maintenance or slow-growing hedges.

Space requirements: Allow adequate space for the mature width of 2-3 metres if left untrimmed, though this is easily controlled through pruning. The vigorous roots can compete with nearby plantings.

Toxicity: All parts of Prunus laurocerasus are toxic if ingested, containing cyanogenic glycosides. The leaves, stems, and fruits can cause stomach upset in humans and pets, and the seeds are particularly toxic. Plant with care in gardens used by young children or pets who might chew vegetation. The foliage releases hydrogen cyanide when bruised or cut (giving a distinctive almond-like smell), though this is harmless in normal garden situations. Avoid composting large quantities of prunings.

Water and nutrient demands: The fast growth rate means the plant has higher water and nutrient requirements during establishment than slower-growing alternatives. Be prepared to water and feed adequately to support the vigorous growth.

Regular trimming essential: Unlike slow-growing hedges that need minimal maintenance, 'Novita' will require trimming twice annually once established to maintain size and shape. This is the trade-off for the rapid establishment.

Not for tiny gardens: Whilst the growth is controllable through pruning, 'Novita's natural vigour makes it less suitable than compact varieties like 'Etna' for very small gardens or where space is extremely limited.

Top Tips for Success

• Best choice for fast privacy screening – grows 50-75 cm per year in good conditions

• Superior cold tolerance makes it ideal for Scotland and northern England

• Plant at 60-75 cm spacing for hedging (wider than slower varieties due to vigorous growth)

• Water generously during first year to support fast growth – don't let it dry out

• Feed in spring and optionally again in early summer to maximize growth rate

• Cut back by one-third to one-half after planting to encourage dense growth from base

• Excellent for quickly screening new gardens, unsightly views, or creating privacy

• Tolerates shade, pollution, poor soil, and difficult conditions admirably

• Plan to trim twice per year once hedge reaches desired height

• Mulch generously and maintain weed-free strip during establishment

• Be patient in first year – spectacular growth begins in second season

• Perfect if you need substantial evergreen hedging quickly

• All parts toxic – keep away from children and pets who might chew leaves

Create fast, substantial evergreen hedging with Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' bare root – the fastest-growing, most cold-tolerant laurel variety that provides privacy and structure in record time whilst maintaining the classic glossy beauty and reliability of traditional cherry laurel. Perfect for gardeners throughout Britain who need rapid results, superior winter hardiness, or want to establish impressive evergreen hedges in the shortest possible time without sacrificing quality or reliability.

For protection from pests consider Shrub Shelters.

Please see our bare root plant guides for more information. We've put together a collect of help and advice articles covering what bare root plants are, why they are a good choice, which plants are available bare root, when and where to plant.