Species cherry or English laurel, Prunus laurocerasus, grows in heavily wooded areas here in quite dense shade (thanks to birds spreading this borderline invasive shrub) so I see no reason why any cultivar would not do the same. Plants located in denser shade tend to be leggy and bit lanky, lacking the foliage density of their full sun cousins but they survive remarkably well.

lack of sun.. rarely kills anything ...

but it can significantly affect vigor ... as noted.. it will grow slower ... less dense ... and probably taller or leaning.. in an attempt to reach out toward more light ...

with trees and shrubs.. we talk about tree/shrub time ... being counted in 5 or 10 year segments ... so if you put a full sun plant. in shade.. you can expect to double that to 10 to 20 years segments ... [just using the numbers to make a point...]

in other words.. if you are doing it in hopes of a sight block ... it might take a lot longer than you hope ...

the other problem in deep shade.. is drought.. as the large trees out compete new babes for water .. and perhaps a dense canopy above doenst let a lot of rain in.. etc ... there are other variables in this situation.. than just the light issue ... those can be overcome i tree time.. but they may need a longer period of tlc to get them fully established.. to compete on their own ... you may have to water them more than the usual year or two .... until they can grow the roots.. to become self sufficient ....

ken

btw .. that is all general rules in heavy shade ... maybe its different for the specific plant you ask about.. but i doubt it ...

and ... it might depend on the trees in the forest ... some are much more aggressive competitors.. than others ...

finally ... random bird sown plants... grow up in the situation ... and can survive ... but taking a nursery grown sun plant.. and transplanting it in your situation ... will be stressful on many levels ...

ken

I am always so impressed with the very knowledgable gardeners on Houzz Garden Forum. Thanks for great info gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) and ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5. Much appreciated!- Sue