Description
Laurelia –
There are 3 species of evergreen shrubs and trees in this genus. They occur in forest and on streambanks in New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. They are grown for their opposite, elliptic, smooth edged or toothed, leathery, aromatic leaves. In summer, inconspicuous, often dioecious flowers are held in axillary panicles or racemes. Grow in a shrub border, in a woodland garden, or against a warm, sunny wall.
Grow in moist but well drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade, in a site that is sheltered from cold, drying winds.
L. sempervirens – L. serrata of gardens – This dense, conical shrub or tree from Chile and Argentina grows 50′ feet tall and 30′ feet wide. It produces narrowly elliptic to elliptic, very aromatic, bright green leaves, to 4″ long, with toothed edges, except near the base. In early summer it bears axillary panicles of tiny, cup shaped green flowers.
Zones 9-10
