Prunus Novita Standard

f you want a tree that gives you instant structure and a soft, leafy canopy, Prunus ‘Novita’ is a gorgeous choice. Trained as a standard, it creates a neat clear stem with a rounded head of fresh green foliage — perfect for adding height and shape to borders, lawns, driveways and large pots.

It’s especially loved for its strong, healthy growth and its ability to bring that “finished garden” feel quickly, without being fussy.

Quick Facts
Botanical Name: Prunus ‘Novita’
Common Name: Cherry Laurel ‘Novita’ (Standard form)
Plant Type: Evergreen standard tree (trained form)
Foliage: Large, glossy deep green evergreen leaves
Form: Rounded head on a clear stem; dense and leafy
Position: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Most garden soils; prefers well-drained ground (tolerates heavier soils once established)
Hardiness: Fully hardy in Irish/UK gardens
Best For: Year-round structure, screening at height, formal planting, driveway/entrance trees, large pots, instant impact
Maintenance: Low to moderate; prune to maintain head shape and density

How to Plant
Choose a spot where you want height and greenery year-round. Dig a generous hole, improve the soil with organic matter if needed, and plant at the same level as it is in the pot. Firm in well and water thoroughly. Standard trees benefit from staking while they establish, especially in exposed sites.

Care Guide
Water regularly during the first growing season. After that, it’s very straightforward. Prune lightly to keep the head neat and encourage bushy growth — late spring to summer is ideal. A spring mulch helps retain moisture and keeps growth strong.

Caragh Garden Notebook
Standards are brilliant for “layering” a garden: you get a clean stem for underplanting (bulbs, grasses, lavender, groundcover), and a leafy canopy above. If you’re planting a row, take time to line up the stems — that little bit of precision makes it look instantly high-end.