Prunus laurocerasus ‘Frerichs01’ (ON FIRE) is a striking newcomer to the cherry laurel range. This cultivar immediately stands out thanks to its spectacular spring growth: deep dark red shoots whose colour intensity is reminiscent of Photinia. Uniquely, these red tones remain visible on the plant throughout the growing season – a rare and highly decorative phenomenon within this species.
The combination of a powerful appearance, excellent branch structure and white flowers makes ON FIRE not only visually appealing, but also widely applicable in garden designs, hedges or as a solitary plant. Thanks to its lasting colour contrast, this cultivar adds structural seasonal dynamics to plantings – a valuable feature for the professional market.
ON FIRE is a mutant selected by Ocko Martens and Pascal Frerichs in Westerstede, Germany. It will be launched on the market in 2025 through BCE Plantgoed, Elst-Bevers, Huijbregts Boomkwekerij, Liwardi and Jos Willemsen, among others. Plant breeders’ rights protection has been applied for.