Also known as the Schipka Laurel, this upright shrub is grown for its large evergreen leaves and flowers. This laurel is upright or vase-shaped when young, eventually filling out to about 6 – 10 feet tall and wide, although it can be reduced by pruning. It is covered in dense spikes of white flowers in the spring.

It prefers full sun to part shade but grows best if shaded in the afternoon in our area. It will also tolerate full shade. This plant adapts to a wide variety of soils but will perform best in evenly moist soil with lots of organic matter. Use as an accent plant or trim it into a screen or hedge.