Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a versatile, robust and attractive ornamental hedging plant that’s well-suited to creating privacy screens and windbreaks, and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Also known as common laurel or English laurel, cherry laurel is a perennial evergreen shrub belonging to the Rosaceae (rose) family. It’s native to regions in south-eastern Europe and south-western Asia where it’s commonly found in the wild in woodlands. Its dense foliage provides cover and nesting sites for birds, and its flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Cherry laurel needs well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from clay to sandy loam. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade, although it tends to produce more flowers and fruit in sunnier spots. It’s a relatively fast-growing shrub and can reach a height of up to 5m (or more) with a similar spread, although it can be kept much smaller with regular pruning.
A common question among gardeners is the difference between laurel and cherry laurel. While both are evergreen shrubs with similar foliage, cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a different species from true laurel (Laurus nobilis), also known as bay laurel. True laurel is often used as a culinary herb and has a different growth habit compared to cherry laurel.
Cherry laurel can become invasive (via its bright red berries which are eaten and then dispersed by birds), particularly in woodland and natural habitats where it can outcompete native plants. It’s also important to note that cherry laurel leaves and seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be ingested by humans or pets.
Cherry laurel has a fibrous root system, which can spread out and suck moisture out of the soil, potentially causing damage to nearby structures, such as foundations or pipes. This is not usually a problem if the hedge is trimmed regularly, as the roots grow in relation to the size of the plant and are unlikely to spread very far. However, if you have an old house and clay soil you might want to consider alternative options to be on the safe side.
How to grow cherry laurel
Grow cherry laurel in a range of well-drained soil types in full sun or partial shade. Prune annually to shape or keep growth in check.
Where to grow cherry laurel
Cherry laurel makes a fine, fast-growing hedge. It’s hardy and can tolerate salt spray, frost and cold temperatures, making it suitable for most regions in the UK. However, due to its invasive nature, avoid planting it near woodlands or other natural areas to prevent its spread. It’s also a good idea to plant it away from buildings and other structures, particularly if you have shrinkable clay soil. If planting cherry laurel against a fence, plant 1-1.5m away from the fence so you can get behind it to trim it when mature.
How to plant cherry laurel
Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the plant’s roots to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it establish.
The spacing of plants will depend on the desired density of your cherry laurel hedge. For a single row hedge, space the plants about 60-90cm apart. If you’re planting a double row hedge, space the rows about 45-60cm apart with the plants staggered for optimal coverage. It’s important to consider the mature size of cherry laurel when spacing your plants to avoid overcrowding as they grow.
How to care for cherry laurel
Once established, cherry laurel is relatively low maintenance. Water regularly during dry spells, particularly in summer. Avoid overwatering, as cherry laurel does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or leaf mould, annually around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients to the soil.
How to prune cherry laurel
Pruning is an important part of cherry laurel hedge maintenance, as it helps to promote bushier growth, maintain a desired shape, and prevent the hedge (and root system) from becoming too large. With regular pruning you can keep your cherry laurel growth in check.
The best time to prune cherry laurel is in late spring or early summer, after the plant has finished flowering. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, trim back the tips of the branches to the desired height, using sharp, clean pruning shears. If you want to keep your cherry laurel hedge smaller, you can also selectively remove some of the older, larger branches to encourage new growth from the base.
It’s important to wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning cherry laurel, as the leaves and branches contain toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation or even respiratory issues. Avoid burning cherry laurel trimmings, as the smoke can be toxic. Instead, dispose of the trimmings in a safe and responsible manner, such as through composting or green waste collection.
How to propagate cherry laurel
Cherry laurel can be propagated through various methods:
Seeds: collect ripe berries from a mature cherry laurel plant and remove the fleshy pulp to reveal the hard seed inside. Plant the seeds in pots or trays filled with free-draining potting mix and keep them in a sheltered spot. Germination can take several months, so be patient
Cuttings: take semi-ripe cuttings 10-15cm long from the current season’s growth in late summer or early autumn. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a free-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a sheltered spot and mist them regularly to maintain high humidity. Rooting should occur within a few months
Suckers: cherry laurel can produce suckers, which are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. To propagate through suckers, carefully dig them and replant them in pots or directly in the ground
Pests and diseases
Cherry laurel is generally resistant to pests and diseases but, like any plant, it can still be susceptible to certain issues.
Leaf spot: this fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of cherry laurel. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plants. If leaf spot occurs, remove and destroy infected leaves.
Powdery mildew: this fungal disease can cause a powdery white coating on the leaves of cherry laurel. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding of plants and provide good air circulation. If powdery mildew occurs, remove and destroy infected leaves.
Laurel shot hole: this harmless condition looks like something has been eating holes in the leaves. It’s caused by a fungus, not insects. It is more likely to happen in areas with a high concentration of foliage, such as in a hedge. Additionally, damp weather and low sunlight can contribute to this issue. To prevent shot hole organically, it’s essential to sweep up fallen laurel leaves frequently, prune out dead or ingrowing branches within the plants, and enhance air circulation around the plants.
Advice on buying cherry laurel
- When buying cherry laurel, look for healthy, well-rooted plants from reputable nurseries or garden centres
- Choose plants that have a good shape and no signs of pests or diseases
- It’s also important to consider the mature size of cherry laurel and choose a suitable variety for your space and desired hedge height as some varieties can grow up to 8m
Where to buy cherry laurel online
Cherry laurel varieties
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ – a fast-growing, common variety with dark green, glossy leaves. It can grow up to 60cm per year and can be maintained as a hedge of 1-5m high. Height x Spread (if unpruned): 8m x 4m
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’ – a large variety with broad, dark green leaves and a dense growth habit. H x S: 6m x 6m
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Obelisk’ – a slim, upright variety that that makes it perfect for cherry laurel hedging. With its appealing light green shoots, it would also work as a striking standalone plant. H x S: 3m x 1.2m
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ – a compact variety with small leaves and a rounded shape. H x S: 1.5m x 2m
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Mount Vernon’ – a low-growing and wide-spreading variety, ideal for cultivation in a rock garden or as a visually appealing ground cover plant. H x S: 60cm x 1.5m
from BBC Gardeners World Magazine https://ift.tt/sZWtXCF
