Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a versatile, robust and attractive ornamental hedging plant that’s well suited to creating privacy screens, and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Also known as common laurel or English laurel, cherry laurel is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rosaceae (rose) family. It’s native to regions in south-eastern Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, where its 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 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 completely different plant 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 out-compete 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 large, 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 if planted too close. This is not usually a problem if the hedge is trimmed regularly, as the roots only grow in relation to the size of the rest 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.
Cherry laurel prunus laurocerasus rotundifolia is an evergreen shrub that originates from southern Europe and southwest Asia. With its glossy green foliage and fast growth rate, it has become a popular landscaping plant across many temperate regions. This comprehensive guide provides key information on cherry laurel rotundifolia, including its cultivation, care, and pruning.
Overview of Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia
Cherry laurel rotundifolia is a cultivar of the species Prunus laurocerasus, which is commonly known as cherry laurel or English laurel. It is an upright, bushy shrub with lustrous, dark green oval leaves. The leaves are larger and more rounded compared to other Prunus laurocerasus varieties, giving rise to its cultivar name “rotundifolia” which means round-leaved.
In spring, cherry laurel rotundifolia produces small white flowers on erect spikes, which have an unpleasant smell but attract bees and other pollinating insects. These are followed by cherry-like red fruits that ripen to black. Birds eagerly devour the fruits and disperse the seeds.
A mature cherry laurel rotundifolia can reach 5-8 meters in height with a spread of 2.5-4 meters. However, regular pruning can contain its size. This fast growing evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and tolerates a variety of soil types and light conditions.
Growing Conditions for Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia
Cherry laurel rotundifolia is adaptable to various sites but prefers moist well-drained soil. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, although it flowers and fruits more prolifically in sunnier locations. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance.
This shrub grows well in zones 7-10 across the United States. It can survive light freezes but dislikes extremely cold winters. Sheltered, coastal areas provide an ideal microclimate. Cherry laurel rotundifolia also grows well in containers with regular watering.
Propagating and Planting Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia
Cherry laurel rotundifolia can be propagated from seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, suckers, or layering. Seeds require cold stratification while cuttings root best when treated with rooting hormone and kept in high humidity.
For in-ground planting, dig a hole larger than the root ball and backfill with native soil. Space multiple plants 1-1.5 meters apart for a hedge. Maintain even soil moisture while plants establish. Apply organic mulch around bases to retain water and reduce weeds.
Pruning and Maintenance of Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia
Left unpruned, cherry laurel rotundifolia can become overly large and unruly. For best results, prune annually in spring after flowering. Trim back branch tips and shape as needed to contain size. Avoid shearing, which creates a thin exterior and leggy interior growth.
Rake up fallen leaves to discourage pests and diseases. Water during droughts, especially the first few years. Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if plants look stressed. Watch for common issues like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Uses in Landscaping and Gardens
Cherry laurel rotundifolia makes an attractive evergreen hedge, screen, or backdrop Its glossy foliage provides year-round structure and contrasts nicely with colorful perennials and shrubs. Group multiple plants together for mass plantings or specimen displays
Also plant cherry laurel as a shade-providing tree in woodland gardens or along foundations. The fruits attract birds while the flowers sustain pollinators. Despite the smell cherry laurel rotundifolia adds multi-season interest to landscapes in suitable climates.
Caution Advised with Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia
While an asset in many gardens, cherry laurel does come with some cautions. All parts of the plant contain cyanide-producing compounds that can cause toxicity if ingested, especially the leaves and seeds. Take care when pruning and keep away from children and pets.
Cherry laurel’s fast growth and suckering tendencies enable it to spread aggressively outside of cultivation. Avoid planting near natural areas where it could displace native vegetation. Always remove spent flowers to curb self-seeding.
With some prudent care, cherry laurel prunus laurocerasus rotundifolia can be a rewarding, low-maintenance addition to gardens and landscapes. Its handsome form and versatility make it a go-to choice for hedges, screens, and mass plantings.
Where to grow cherry laurel
Cherry laurel makes a fine, fast-growing hedge. Its hardy, tolerating all but the very coldest conditions to be found in the UK. However, due to its potentially invasive nature, avoid planting it near woodlands or other natural areas to prevent its spread by seed. Its also a good idea to plant at least a couple of metres from buildings and other structures, particularly if you have clay soil, which shrinks significantly in volume when very dry. 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 rootball and place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the plants roots to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it establish, and then add a mulch to hold in moisture.
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 youre planting a double-row hedge, space the rows about 45-60cm apart, with the plants staggered for optimal coverage. Its important to consider the mature size of cherry laurel when spacing your plants to avoid overcrowding as they grow.
All you need to know about Laurel Hedging Plants – Hopes Grove Nurseries
FAQ
What is the disadvantage of cherry laurel?
One of the issues with it is they’re an invasive species that takes over woodland understories and in time prevents any regeneration at all – the berries are …May 9, 2024
What is the downside of a laurel hedge?
The other main problem that can afflict Laurel hedging plants is frost damage, which can take effect in autumn, winter or spring. Damage in the autumn is often caused by sharp early frosts and is limited to soft late growth, which turns black and shrivelled.
Is cherry laurel poisonous to touch?
Yes, cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) can be poisonous to touch. While the primary risk is from ingesting parts of the plant, contact with the leaves or sap can cause skin irritation or blistering in some individuals, according to a gardening site.
Do cherry laurels like sun or shade?
Cherry laurel generally prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate full shade as well, making it a versatile plant for different light conditions.