Cherry Laurel: The Ultimate Guide to This Versatile Hedge Plant
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its dense, glossy green foliage and fast-growing nature, making it a perfect choice for creating hedges, screens, and privacy barriers in gardens. Whether you’re looking to design a secluded space, block unwanted views, or add year-round interest to your outdoor area, Cherry Laurel provides a reliable solution. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Cherry Laurel, from its characteristics to planting tips, care requirements, and common uses in landscaping.
What is Cherry Laurel?
Cherry Laurel, also known by its scientific name Prunus laurocerasus, is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree that is widely used in gardens and landscaping. Its dense foliage, which remains green throughout the year, makes it a popular choice for creating hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks. Cherry Laurel is often referred to as English Laurel, Common Laurel, or simply Laurel, and it belongs to the Rosaceae family.
This hardy plant is native to southeastern Europe and parts of Asia, but it has become one of the most common landscaping shrubs in the UK and beyond. The shrub features large, dark green, glossy leaves and produces small white flowers in spring that give way to dark berries. Though its berries are toxic if ingested, the plant is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and ability to thrive in various conditions.
Key Features of Cherry Laurel
Evergreen Foliage: Cherry Laurel is an evergreen shrub, meaning it retains its glossy green leaves throughout the year. This makes it an excellent choice for providing year-round privacy and visual interest, especially during the winter months when many other plants lose their leaves.
Dense Growth: Known for its thick, bushy growth, Cherry Laurel creates a solid, impenetrable barrier when planted closely together. This makes it ideal for privacy hedging or as a windbreak.
Flowers and Berries: In the spring, Cherry Laurel produces fragrant white flowers in elongated clusters. These flowers attract pollinators like bees, while the dark purple to black berries that follow provide food for birds (though they should not be consumed by humans or pets).
Wildlife-Friendly: Besides providing nectar and food for birds, the dense foliage of Cherry Laurel also serves as a shelter for small animals and insects.
Benefits of Using Cherry Laurel for Hedges
Cherry Laurel is an exceptional choice for hedging due to its numerous benefits, both functional and aesthetic. Some of the key reasons to choose Cherry Laurel for hedges include:
1. Privacy and Seclusion
One of the primary reasons homeowners choose Cherry Laurel for hedging is its ability to create privacy. Its thick, dense foliage forms a solid wall that blocks views from both sides, making it perfect for creating private outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to screen a noisy road, block the view of neighbors, or establish a secluded garden nook, Cherry Laurel provides effective coverage.
2. Wind and Noise Protection
Because of its dense growth, Cherry Laurel is also effective at reducing the impact of wind and noise. It makes an excellent windbreak, protecting your garden from harsh winds, especially in exposed areas. Additionally, it can help reduce noise pollution, creating a more tranquil environment in your garden or yard.
3. Low Maintenance
Once established, Cherry Laurel is relatively low-maintenance. It is drought-tolerant, which means you don’t have to water it frequently once it has matured. It also grows well in a range of soil types and can tolerate both sun and partial shade. Cherry Laurel’s ability to thrive with minimal care makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who prefer hassle-free plants.
4. Year-Round Interest
Unlike deciduous plants that lose their leaves in winter, Cherry Laurel retains its lush green foliage year-round. This evergreen nature ensures that your hedge will look attractive even in the colder months, providing consistent coverage and visual appeal.
Cherry Laurel Growth Rate
One of the standout features of Cherry Laurel is its growth rate. Depending on the growing conditions, this plant can grow at a moderate to fast rate. Typically, Cherry Laurel will grow about 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) per year. This means it is an excellent option if you’re looking to establish a hedge or privacy screen quickly.
In ideal conditions, such as well-drained soil, adequate watering, and proper sunlight, Cherry Laurel can reach a height of 1.5m to 5m (5 to 16 feet) over time. Its rapid growth makes it a great choice for anyone looking to create a lush, full hedge in a relatively short amount of time.
However, because of its fast growth rate, regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the hedge. Pruning in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins will help promote thicker, denser foliage.
How to Plant and Care for Cherry Laurel
Planting and caring for Cherry Laurel is relatively simple, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Here are some essential tips:
1. Planting Cherry Laurel
- Soil: Cherry Laurel prefers well-drained soil, but it is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Position: It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade better than many other plants, making it a versatile option for gardens with varying light conditions.
- Spacing: To create a dense hedge, space Cherry Laurel plants about 2.5 to 3 feet apart. This will allow them to grow into each other and form a solid barrier.
2. Watering
While Cherry Laurel is fairly drought-tolerant once established, it will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. However, ensure that the soil remains well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
3. Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape of Cherry Laurel hedges. Regular trimming will encourage thicker growth, resulting in a denser hedge. Aim to prune once or twice a year, ideally in late winter or early spring. Cherry Laurel responds well to pruning and can tolerate hard cuts.
4. Fertilization
Cherry Laurel benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring to promote healthy growth. However, over-fertilizing can lead to excessive, weak growth. Stick to a moderate feeding schedule for best results.
Cherry Laurel Varieties and Alternatives
There are several varieties of Cherry Laurel that are suitable for hedging, including:
- ‘Rotundifolia’: This is one of the most popular varieties, known for its large, rounded leaves and dense growth habit. It’s perfect for creating tall, thick hedges.
- ‘Otto Luyken’: A more compact variety, ideal for smaller gardens or lower hedges.
- ‘Caucasica’: Known for its larger size, this variety can reach up to 20 feet tall, making it suitable for taller privacy screens.
Alternatives to Cherry Laurel:
- Portuguese Laurel: A similar plant with glossy leaves and a more compact form, often used in smaller gardens or as a foundation plant.
- Spotted Laurel: Known for its attractive variegated leaves, adding a bit of color to hedges while still offering the privacy benefits of Cherry Laurel.
- Photinia: A deciduous alternative with vibrant red new growth, Photinia hedges are perfect if you’re seeking a more colorful hedge option.
Conclusion
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking a versatile, low-maintenance, and fast-growing hedge plant. With its dense, evergreen foliage, it provides year-round privacy, wind protection, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you are creating a privacy screen, a windbreak, or simply adding greenery to your garden, Cherry Laurel is a reliable and attractive choice. Its moderate to fast growth rate, adaptability to various soil and light conditions, and wildlife-friendly qualities make it one of the best hedge plants available today.
