Poet’s Laurel Brightens Cold December Days
Posted by: Kate Bryant on Dec 23, 2011 at 08:33PM
2 Comments
No holiday tree this year? Check out this charming little evergreen shrub that decorates itself with bright orange, ornamental berries: poet’s laurel. Tucked into a winter planter on a porch, it makes a festive centerpiece for a planter or a handsome, stand-alone feature plant.
Poet’s laurel (Danae racemosa) is a lovely little evergreen shrub reaching about 2-3 feet tall and wide, with an arching habit. It loves shade (foliage bleaches in too much sun), and tolerates drought, so it’s the perfect plant for a north or shady east-facing side of the house under an eave, or in a pot on the porch, where you might not get to watering it too often.
Danae racemosa produces small, insignificant greenish-yellow flowers followed by bright orange berries in the fall and winter. The foliage is pretty enough by itself but the late autumn and early winter fruit make the plant a standout in pots.
The plant spreads by rhizomes, slowly, and can be divided periodically. You can cut branches for long-lasting winter decorations.
Where can I purchase a Poet’s Laurel plant?
Hi Carol,
Sorry but my response was erased while removing spam from this website! Poet’s Laurel can be found at Cistus Design Nursery on Sauvie Island and Plant Delights Nursery in N. Carolina. Good luck!