Prunus laurocerasus Mount Vernon Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus Mount Vernon Laurel 
Prunus laurocerasus Mount Vernon Laurel is a low growing, compact shrub of the evergreen type. Its attractive mound shape makes it a wonderful choice across a number of locations where other materials wouldn’t do well. It is a dwarf version of Prunus laurocerasus Cherry Laurel. A superb ground cover plant, the Mount Vernon Laurel has glossy, showy leaves which are dark green above and pale green underneath. The horizontal branches keep the plant compact and low growing. In mid to late spring, it sends masses of spikes, which can be up to 13 cm long which form its scented white flowers. The flowers then pollinate into a cherry type fruit, which, for this variety are borne as black berries under the mass of foliage.
The Mount Vernon Cherry Laurel is especially hardy. It will grow to be about 30 cm in height and about 60 cm in spread, so planting distances are typically recommended at about 45 cm between plants.  Mount Vernon is an American variety of the shortest Cherry Laurel.  Its uses range from borders, to rock gardens, and often as a luxurious looking ground cover. The slight droop to the leaves adds elegance to this specimen when used as a ground cover. Good to know that Prunus laurocerasus Mount Vernon will perform equally well in full sun and shade. One use that is popular is under trees where it can forage for moisture and is happy with the rain falling from the tree above. Even though it is a dwarf version of its parentage, it maintains the leaf size associated with them, often 15 cm in length.
Prunus lauocerasus Mount Vernon’s white flowers arise in summer only, but it maintains its medium green foliage throughout the seasons, therefore considered a plant with a year-round interest. Use it as a low growing hedge, foundation, groundcover, on banks and slopes, as an edging in mixed beds, for erosion control, or to provide a structural garden.
The preferred soil environment for the Mount Vernon Laurel includes a need for acidic soils which are rich in humus and drain through fairly well. It does not tolerate droughty conditions, nor extended periods of ‘wet feet’. In dry winters, during periods above freezing and soil exposure, it likes to be provided a little water. It likes a soil that can hold water, so clayey environments are acceptable, as long as you have good humus built up in the soil and it drains through well.