Cherry Laurel Shrubs: Planting, Care, and Growing Guide
A low-maintenance evergreen that transforms any garden into a private sanctuary.
Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a highly versatile evergreen shrub prized for its glossy leaves, fragrant flowers, and resilience. Widely used for hedges and screens, cherry laurel grows vigorously and adapts to various gardening conditions, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.
What Is Cherry Laurel?
Cherry laurel, sometimes called English laurel, is native to regions of southeastern Europe and western Asia. It is part of the Rosaceae family. This shrub is valued for:
- Dense, lustrous evergreen foliage.
- Fragrant white flowers in spring.
- Bright red to black berries in fall.
- Fast growth suitable for privacy screens or hedges.
Typical mature heights range from 12 to 20 feet, although it can be maintained much shorter through pruning. Its thick canopy makes it a natural sound and wind barrier.
Main Features
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, spreading.
- Leaves: Glossy, ovate, rich green, leathery.
- Flowers: Small, creamy-white, held in upright spikes from late spring to early summer. Fragrant and attract pollinators.
- Fruit: Small berriesâripening from green to red and then black. Toxic to humans, not recommended for consumption.
- Evergreen: Keeps foliage year-round, providing privacy throughout the seasons.
How to Grow Cherry Laurel
Site Selection & Light
- Light: Thrives in partial shade to full sun. Preferably, morning sun and afternoon shade, but adaptable to most exposures.
- Shelter: Select a site sheltered from harsh wind and hot afternoon sun for optimal growth and to reduce leaf scorch.
Soil Preferences
- Prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Tolerates loamy, sandy, or clay soils if not waterlogged.
- Improve heavy or poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure prior to planting.
Planting Instructions
- Time: Plant in spring or early autumn for best results.
- Dig a hole twice as wide but no deeper than the shrubâs root ball.
- Amend soil with organic matter.
- Place the shrub with the root ball level to the surface; backfill and gently firm down.
- Water thoroughly after planting and mulch well to retain moisture.
Spacing
- For hedges: space plants 2â3 feet apart.
- For specimen shrubs: allow 5â6 feet for full maturity.
Watering
- Water regularly during the first year, especially in dry spells and warm weather.
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; cherry laurel dislikes waterlogged conditions.
- Once established, routine watering is rarely needed except during drought.
Mulching & Fertilizing
- Apply a layer of organic mulchâbark chips, compost, or leaf mouldâaround the plant base every spring. This helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and nourish the soil.
- Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring or summer to encourage lush growth and frost resistance.
- Avoid excessive or mineral fertilizers to prevent resource waste and possible overdosing.
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Pruning and Maintenance
Why Prune?
- Promotes bushier, denser growth.
- Maintains desired shape and size, particularly for hedges.
- Removes dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
When and How to Prune
- Timing: Best pruned in late spring or early summer, right after flowering. A second light prune can be done before early August.
- Tools: Use sharp, clean secateurs; avoid electric trimmers (can damage broad leaves and create unsightly brown edges).
- Remove winter or frost damage in early spring.
- For formal hedges, prune lightly into desired shape; for informal screens, thin out dead or congested stems for airflow.
- Avoid pruning on wet or excessively sunny days to prevent fungal infection or sunburn.
- Wear gloves; sap can cause skin irritation and allergies. Do not touch your face, and dispose of trimmings safelyânever burn as smoke is toxic.
Propagation Methods
Propagating cherry laurel is straightforward with several options:
- Seeds: Harvest ripe berries, remove flesh to expose the seed. Plant in pots with free-draining mix; germination may take months.
- Cuttings: Take semi-ripe cuttings (10â15 cm) in late summer/early autumn. Use rooting hormone and keep in moist, humid conditions; roots develop within a few months.
- Suckers: Carefully excavate and replant new shoots emerging at base, either in pots or directly in ground.
Pests and Diseases
While cherry laurel is generally pest and disease resistant, gardeners should look out for:
- Leaf spot: Fungal disease causing brown spots. Provide good air circulation and remove affected leaves; avoid wetting foliage.
- Powdery mildew: White powdery covering; occurs with overcrowding or poor air flow. Remove infected leaves and space plants well.
- Shot hole: Small holes in leaves from fungal infection, not pests. Improve air circulation, remove dead wood, and keep area clean of fallen leaves.
Cherry laurel rarely attracts insect pests; however, occasional scale insects or aphids might appear. Address with horticultural oil or by simply washing off with water if populations are minor. Avoid overuse of chemicals to help protect garden biodiversity.
Cherry Laurel in Landscaping
Cherry laurels are popular for:
- Formal hedges
- Windbreaks and privacy screens
- Background plantings
- Shady borders and woodland gardens
- Foundation plantings beside buildings
Design Tips
- Pair with shade-loving perennials for underplanting.
- Use as a green wall to contrast with colorful annuals and seasonal bulbs.
- In formal settings, keep neatly clipped for sharp lines; in informal gardens, allow a more natural spread for wildlife shelter.
Companion Plants
Consider planting cherry laurel alongside:
- Hydrangea
- Hosta
- Ferns
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
- Shade-tolerant grasses
Cherry Laurel Toxicity and Safety
All partsâleaves, berries, barkâcontain compounds toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory issues. Handle with gloves, keep away from children, and do not burn clippings.
| Part | Toxicity | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | High (contains cyanogenic glycosides) | Skin irritation, nausea (if ingested) |
| Berries | Moderate | Stomach upset, vomiting |
| Bark | Low to moderate | Potential toxins; avoid ingestion |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How fast does cherry laurel grow?
A: Cherry laurel grows rapidly, up to 40 cm (16 inches) per year depending on variety and growing conditions.
Q: Does cherry laurel tolerate shade?
A: Yes, it tolerates moderate shade but grows most densely with good indirect sun.
Q: Can cherry laurel be clipped as a formal hedge?
A: Absolutely. Regular pruning maintains crisp edges and desired height for a formal screen. Use secateurs for the best results for visible plants.
Q: How do I avoid fungal diseases?
A: Prune for improved air circulation, avoid wet foliage, and promptly remove fallen leaves and dead stems.
Q: Is cherry laurel safe for pets or children?
A: No. Leaves and berries are toxic if ingested. Keep children and pets away from plants and avoid burning trimmings.
Q: Should I fertilize cherry laurel every year?
A: Annual feeding with a balanced fertilizer is helpful, especially in poor soils. Mulching also provides nutrients.
Q: Can cherry laurel be propagated from cuttings or seeds?
A: Yes. Use semi-ripe cuttings or ripe seeds for propagation. Suckers can also be dug and replanted.
Q: Why are my cherry laurel leaves turning brown?
A: Possible causes include water stress (too much or too little), sunburn, frost damage, or fungal leaf spot. Assess watering and site conditions, prune out damage, and dispose of affected leaves.
Summary: Cherry Laurel at a Glance
- Robust evergreen shrub for privacy, windbreaks, and year-round greenery.
- Easy to grow and care for; tolerates a wide range of soils and exposures.
- Needs yearly pruning and occasional feeding for dense, healthy foliage.
- Propagate by seeds, cuttings, or suckers for new plants.
- Monitor for leaf spot, powdery mildew, shot hole, and avoid overwatering.
- Handle with gloves and keep all parts away from children and pets due to toxicity.
References
- https://plantura.garden/uk/trees-shrubs/cherry-laurel/cherry-laurel-overview
- https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/cherry-laurel-hedging/
- https://www.shrubhub.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-landscaping-with-laurel-shrubs.php
- https://extension.umd.edu/resource/cherry-laurel-identify-and-manage-problems
- https://homesteadgardens.com/time-to-prune-cherry-laurels-azaleas-too/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/prunus-laurocerasus
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