Hardy plant? Apparently not! (6)

I believe the answer is:

laurel

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'hardy plant?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for laurel that I've seen before include "girl" , "Does A1 rule this bush?" , "Hardy's partner - symbol of victory" , "Emblem of victory" , "Allure (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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