Through caring for Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), I have learned just how vital the right soil, watering, and pruning are for the healthy growth of the plant. Cherry laurel grows quickly and forms a beautiful green hedge, which is a true highlight of my garden.
From planting to flowering, it has been an exciting process, and it’s been a joy to watch the Cherry laurel flourish day by day.
Columnar Cherry laurel (Cherry laurel hedge): The hidden treasure of gardens
The
columnar Cherry laurel, also known as
Prunus laurocerasus, is a truly special plant, loved by many gardeners for its beauty and ease of care. But what varieties are there, and under what conditions does it really thrive?
This article will answer those questions and more.
Cherry laurel hedge varieties and their characteristics
There are numerous varieties of
Cherry laurel hedges, among which the best known are perhaps
'Otto Luyken' and 'Zabeliana'. The 'Otto Luyken' is compact, low-growing, with dark green leaves, while 'Zabeliana' boasts long, narrow leaves.
Both varieties produce white flowers with a pleasant fragrance.
- variegated Japanese cherry laurel
- Caucasian Cherry laurel
- ornamental cherry laurel
- Balkan Cherry laurel
The most common varieties of Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus):
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' Cherry laurel: Large, oval, glossy green leaves, fast growth, and a dense, bushy habit. Often used as a hedge.
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' Cherry laurel: Low-growing, wide shrub that only reaches about 1 metre in height. It has dark green, narrow leaves and blooms white flowers in spring.
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Caucasica' Cherry laurel: A narrow, upright variety, fast-growing, and can reach 3-4 metres tall. It has dark green, elongated leaves.
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' Cherry laurel: Very similar to the 'Rotundifolia' variety but more resistant to diseases. Characterised by large, glossy leaves and rapid growth.
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Mount Vernon' Cherry laurel: A low-growing, spreading variety that only grows to about 60 cm tall. Its leaves are dark green and shiny.
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana' Cherry laurel: Low-growing, wide shrub that grows to about 1-1.5 metres tall. It has narrow, elongated leaves.
But what kind of environment do these plants prefer?
The ideal soil and climate for planting Cherry laurel
Cherry laurel prefers moist but well-drained soil. Too wet soil can cause root rot, while too dry soil can lead to leaf scorch. It tolerates both sunny and partially shaded spots well, but too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
The ideal soil pH ranges between 6.0 and 7.5.
Planting Cherry laurel and methods
The best time to plant Cherry laurel is in spring or autumn, when the soil is moist but not too cold. Before planting, it’s advisable to loosen the soil well to allow roots to spread easily.
Plant deeply enough to prevent the roots from drying out.
But how often should you water Cherry laurel during planting?
Watering and caring for Cherry laurel
Water regularly but moderately.
Too much water can cause root rot, while too little water will cause the leaves to dry out. It’s recommended to prune the plant once a year to maintain a neat shape.
Tips and advice for Cherry laurel
When planting Cherry laurel, it’s wise to keep the plant slightly elevated so the roots don’t sit directly in the soil. This helps prevent root rot.
It tolerates pruning well, so feel free to shape the plant to your liking.
Based on my personal experience, I recommend planting Cherry laurel in groups to create a lush, green hedge. It grows quickly, so you’ll soon enjoy the beautiful view it provides.
This is truly a special plant that brightens any garden with its beauty and ease of care. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s well worth giving it a go — you won’t be disappointed.
Cherry laurel, or Prunus laurocerasus, is a striking evergreen plant often used as a hedge or specimen plant in gardens.
- But how do we properly care for this beauty?
- What watering and mulching techniques should we use?
- How do we prune and maintain it?
- And last but not least, how do we manage diseases and pests?
Allow me to share my own experiences and advice with you.
My watering and mulching techniques for Cherry laurel
Cherry laurel likes moist but well-draining soil. Watering should be adjusted according to soil dryness, but
generally once or twice a week is sufficient. Overwatering must be avoided as it can cause root rot.
An interesting question is whether mulching can help maintain the right moisture levels?
The answer is yes! Mulching with organic materials such as compost or leaf mould
helps retain soil moisture and prevents weed growth.
Pruning and caring for Cherry laurel
Pruning is usually done in early spring while the plant is still dormant. The aim is to shape the plant and remove any diseased, damaged, or overly dense branches.
A good tip: never prune branches thicker than the diameter of the plant’s main stem!
This prevents excessive stress on the plant.
Diseases and pest control for Cherry laurel
Common diseases of Cherry laurel include leaf spot, downy mildew, and monilia. The most frequent pests are aphids and scale insects. To prevent diseases, proper nutrition and regular watering are essential. For pest control, biological agents such as
insecticidal soap or
neem oil can be very effective.
From personal experience: regular leaf inspections and early intervention help prevent bigger problems.
Propagating Cherry laurel at home: if you don’t try, you won’t know how skilled you are!
If you want to propagate Cherry laurel at home,
cuttings are one of the most reliable and effective methods. Early summer is the best time to select healthy, semi-hardwood shoots about 10-15 cm long from the plant, which are neither too young nor fully mature.
Carefully cut the shoots with a sharp, sterilised pair of scissors, then remove the lower leaves to direct more energy towards root formation. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage faster and stronger root development. Then
plant the cuttings in moist, sandy soil that ensures good drainage and moisture retention.
Keep the cuttings warm,
preferably in a warm, humid environment, and ensure the soil remains consistently moist. They will root within a few weeks and eventually grow into new plants that can be transplanted into the garden.
Propagating Cherry laurel at home is simple but involves several steps: This usually takes 4-6 weeks.
If you want to try
propagating Cherry laurel from seed, collect ripe berries in autumn and clean the seeds.
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, then plant them in moist soil. Keep the
soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate. This method takes longer but can also be successful.
Caring for Cherry laurel is not a complicated task, but some basic rules must be followed. Proper watering, mulching, regular pruning and maintenance, as well as effective protection against diseases and pests, all contribute to the healthy growth and beautiful appearance of the plant.
