Cherry Laurel Plant Care
- Light. The cherry laurel is fairly low maintenance when it comes to its sun preferences. It tolerates a range of light...
- Soil. Proper drainage is crucial for the survival of the cherry laurel plant. They also prefer fertile, slightly acidic...
- Water. For optimal growth, you'll want to water your cherry laurel frequently enough that the soil...
How do you take care of a laurel tree?
Water your cherry laurel plant thoroughly to help roots establish. Once a cherry laurel is established, it is very easy to care for. Other than occasional watering, provide a balanced fertilizer in early spring. This low maintenance beauty can be pruned for size if used as a hedge or left alone with its attractive natural shape.
How do you plant cherry laurel in the fall?
When to Plant Cherry Laurel The best time for when to plant cherry laurel is in the fall. Select high-quality nursery stock with roots that are wrapped in burlap or you can grow them from container plants. Select a sunny or partly sunny area with fertile, well-drained soil and a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Are cherry laurel trees easy to care for?
They are resilient and quite easy to care for, especially when already well-established in the garden. When planting cherry laurel, it's best to aim for October to March (although fall is best) to allow for the opportunity for root development before winter.
How to grow a cherry laurel Prunus from seed?
How To Grow A Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus is a very fast-growing plant that is easy to grow and needs little maintenance. These plants can be grown from seed but will need to be put through a period of 2 to 3 months of cold stratification at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) to break their natural dormancy.
Should I prune cherry laurel?
Regular pruning Once they're full-grown or close to it, all of them benefit from a quick annual pruning that includes: Removing all dead, dying and diseases branches and stems – back to where they start.
When should I prune my cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel is a shrub that is easy to prune, especially if part of a hedge. Prune in spring and/or in fall.
How do you prune cherry laurel bushes?
1:4212:53Prune Like a Pro: Cherry Laurel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's another laurel called prunus caroliniana and on that the leaves and the stems. And the seedsMoreThere's another laurel called prunus caroliniana and on that the leaves and the stems. And the seeds are toxic. So you want to be sure you know what species you have. So with that we generally these
Is cherry laurel a tree or shrub?
Cherry Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 20' tall and is dense and wide-spreading. This plant blooms in the spring. It has a dense habit, spreading twice as high as it is wide. It is sickeningly fragrant and free-flowering, even in heavy shade.
How do I make my cherry laurel thicker?
To prune laurel to encourage growth, we'd recommend trimming the branches and cutting them back several times a year (depending on how fast it grows) by up to a quarter. This makes the bush come back bushier and thicker than before more rapidly.
How hard can you cut back cherry laurel?
Just do it! Laurels can be cut back as hard as you like from early spring through until late summer (late August). If after that time, then the best time to cut back hard in late winter. The new growth will soon start to shoot out as soon as the spring warmth begins.
Why are my cherry laurels dying?
Poor drainage – Leaves may show yellowing, browning, and dieback. Cherry laurels do not like a heavy clay soil that drains poorly. Excess soil moisture reduces oxygen in the soil, damages fine root hairs, and the root system is unable to absorb water.
Can I prune cherry laurel in winter?
If you prune a cherry laurel in the winter, the plant will respond by quickly producing abundant vegetation in spring. This means that besides immediately losing the shape you gave it through careful pruning, the hedge will be more vulnerable to powdery mildew, a fungus that feeds on growing plant tissues.
When should you cut laurel hedges?
Laurel hedges may be trimmed at any time during the season but its best to avoid the coldest months of the year as the cut edges may be susceptible to frost damage. Many text books advise trimming Laurel hedging plants with secateurs to avoid cut edges to the large leaves, it really isn't necessary.
What is the difference between laurel and cherry laurel?
Common Laurel, Cherry Laurel and English Laurel are different common names for the same plant. Its botanical name is Prunus laurocerasus.
How long does cherry laurel live?
Cherry laurels require little maintenance and can live for up to 150 years.
Do cherry laurels stay green all year?
They have a compact spreading habit with great color. They stay green all winter which makes them perfect for a home landscape. They can be pruned to size and can be planted in the sun but will tolerate shade.
When should you trim laurel bushes?
Late spring or early summer is the best time to trim most hedges including laurel and leylandii hedges. You can prune a laurel hedge with secateurs – which is not as labour-intensive as it sounds – or with a hedgetrimmer.
When should you cut laurel hedges?
Laurel hedges may be trimmed at any time during the season but its best to avoid the coldest months of the year as the cut edges may be susceptible to frost damage. Many text books advise trimming Laurel hedging plants with secateurs to avoid cut edges to the large leaves, it really isn't necessary.
Can you cut laurel with hedge trimmer?
You can trim your laurel with shears, secateurs or a hedge trimmer. Many books will tell you to use secateurs because laurels have large leaves and the cut edges left by a hedge trimmer will leave them looking unkempt.
How do you lower the height of a laurel hedge?
Start by reducing the height using a taught string line to keep it level, the height can be reduced drastically by several metres if necessary (even taking the plants back to stumps) although the work can be split over a couple of seasons if you are cutting the height back by more than one third.
How to propagate cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings can be planted and watered in a sheltered spot in the garden for best growth. Animals can also spread cherry laurel via the seeds from their fruits.
What temperature does a cherry laurel plant need to be to survive?
Most cherry laurels will grow best in temperatures between 59 and 68 degrees.
What is a cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel plants ( Prunus laurocerasus) are attractive evergreen shrubs that produce dainty white flowers in the spring. They are part of the prunus genus, which also includes plum, peach, and almond trees . These large, fast-growing shrubs are known for their sweet-smelling flowers and ability to attract birds thanks to its red, ...
What type of soil do cherry laurel plants like?
Proper drainage is crucial for the survival of the cherry laurel plant. They also prefer fertile, slightly acidic soil .
Where are cherry laurel trees native to?
An attractive addition to any landscape, potential cherry laurel growers should know that they do have some downsides. Native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe, these plants tend to be somewhat invasive due to their dense growth that can overtake other native plants in forests, parks, and outdoor areas.
Is cherry laurel a shade shrub?
On the upside, cherry laurels are shade tolerant and rapid growers that can be ideal for privacy shrubs in a garden setting. They are resilient and quite easy to care for, especially when already well-established in the garden. Botanical Name. Prunus laurocerasus. Common Name. Cherry laurel. Plant Type.
Is cherry laurel a parasite?
Though considered to be sturdy and disease-resistant shrubs, the cherry laurel can be susceptible to parasites such as aphids and scale insects, as well as powdery mildew and verticillium wilt .
How to propagate cherry laurel?
To propagate a cherry laurel shrub through stem cuttings, take a sharp knife and cut the last 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) of a branch. Remove the extra leaves from the bottom and keep the top three or four intact. Cut the bottom part of the main stem at an angle and wrap it in damp paper towels and a plastic bag.
How to make a cherry laurel grow faster?
When you first plant a Cherry Laurel, give the so il a deep soak, allowing the water to reach the plant’s root ball. If you want to make your shrub grow faster, you can stimulate it using a root stimulator. This solution will ensure a stronger root development and the growth of greener, healthier plants.
How long does it take for a cherry laurel to grow?
Move the container into a sheltered spot with full sunlight and wait about six weeks for the roots to appear. Usually, the plant needs a year or so to grow strong enough for your outdoor garden. The best time to propagate your Cherry Laurel by taking root cuttings is in winter.
What is a Prunus Laurocerasus?
Prunus Laurocerasus, usually named Cherry Laurel, Common Laurel, or English Laurel in North America, is a species of evergreen shrubs in the Prunus genus. Cherry Laurel plants are originated in regions ...
Why is cherry laurel wood hard to cut?
Prunus Laurocerasus wood contains a lot of water. Cutting Cherry laurel wood can be a difficult process because it tends to gum up the saw blades. Also, it splits and distorts while it dries out. Prunus Laurocerasus are fast growing.
How big do cherry laurel trees get?
Cherry Laurel species are shrubs or trees of small to medium size. On average, they can grow between 16.4 and 49.2 feet (5-15 m) tall, but some of them can reach 59 feet (18 m). Their trunk measures up to 1.9 feet (60 cm) broad. If crushed, their leaves can smell like almonds, but they are rather toxic.
What type of soil do sandhills like?
They prefer a damp but well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The ideal types of soil for these plants would be sand, clay, loam, acidic, or slightly alkaline soil mix.
How to protect cherry laurel over winter?
You just have to water it well in autumn. There’s no need to cover it for winter.
Where to plant cherry laurel?
Although cherry laurel grows well in shaded and half-shaded areas, full sun exposure won’t be a problem, either - especially if it forms a hedge. Just make sure that the soil the shrub grows is damp enough. If there is a drought - water it more frequently.
What does a cherry laurel look like?
Cherry laurel looks like a combination of laurel and cherry trees. Its leaves closely resemble the first of the mentioned species. The pale, small flowers are nearly identical to the ones appearing on cherries in their blooming season. The name of the shrub probably derives from this fact.
How tall does a cherry laurel grow?
Rotundifolia cherry laurel is a perfect hedge shrub. With a proper care, it can grow up to 4 or 5 meters tall. Regardless, this variety is quite difficult to take care of, especially directly after planting it. Although it’s resistant to low temperatures, it’s vulnerable to snow during the first years. If you pick this species, make sure to protect it for the first several seasons. In time, it should gain resistance - against stronger frosts and snow.
How many varieties of cherry laurel are there?
Experts interested in these shrubs stress that the choice is really wide, as there are about 40 different varieties of cherry laurel. They differ in:
How to plant common laurel?
As for planting common laurel, there are a few options. Buying already developed shrubs and putting them in the ground is one of them. If you want a cherry laurel hedge - remember to properly set them apart. The gaps should be about 50 cm. Buying grown shrubs, especially large ones, is a much more expensive solution. For this reason, seedlings are a more popular option. In this case, you need to prepare, otherwise planting won’t be successful.
Why are cherry laurel trees used?
For a long time, cherry laurels were used as a part of larger compositions in backyards, and they were planted along with other plants. English laurel was often planted by shade-loving plants, as its leaves provide perfect protection against excessive sunlight. But this is only one of the possible uses.
How tall does a cherry laurel grow?
It is one of those shrubs that grow very fast and can reach over 16 feet (5 m) tall when mature.
What to do with dirt from garden?
Amend the dirt from your garden with planting soil mix.
What to do if an animal ingests a lot of food?
If ever an animal has ingested massive amounts, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately , even before clinical symptoms appear.
Is cherry laurel a disease resistant shrub?
Even though it is considered to be one of the most sturdy and disease-resistant shrubs, cherry laurel might occasionally have weaknesses, especially as regards parasites .
Can you grow cherry laurel in pots?
To grow cherry laurel in pots, you must select one of these dwarf varieties, for instance ‘Otto Luycken’, ‘Mount Vernon’ or ‘Piri’. Cherry laurel is often called common laurel, surely because it grows almost everywhere.
Is cherry laurel a shrub?
Cherry laurel, a nice shrub for hedges. Cherry laurel is a shrub as attractive in summer as it is in winter.
When to use hedge clippers for English laurel?
This type of shearing can be performed anytime during the winter or after flowering in spring (if you want flowers) and again through late summer.
How to check soil moisture?
Use the finger test to check soil moisture. Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Shrubs planted during the winter dormant season, when plants are not actively growing and evaporation is much slower, will require much less water.
Do English laurel plants need to be watered?
First, English Laurel must have a well-drained soil. They prefer a consistently damp to moist but well-drained soil. As with so many other types of ornamental plants, constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic. So, be careful not to over-water them.
What are the uses of cherry laurel?
Wildlife Uses. The fragrant flowers of the cherry laurel are very popular with bees and other pollinators. Birds love the fruits of these plants, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing since they tend to distribute the seeds far and wide, which often sprout as weeds in natural areas.
What Is A Cherry Laurel Shrub?
The cherry laurel ( Prunus laurocerasus) is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the Rosaceae family. These plants have a few other common names, including laurel cherry, English laurel, and common laurel.
How tall does a cherry laurel grow?
Cherry Laurel Cultivars/Varieties. ‘Zabeliana’ is a low growing form up to about 5 feet (1.5 m) tall that spreads widely, creating an attractive tall ground cover effect. ‘Magnoliifolia’ is a large, tree-like form that can grow to over 20 feet (6 m) tall and has larger leaves than other varieties. ‘Otto Luyken’ is a popular spreading form ...
What is the disease on a cherry laurel plant?
Cherry laurel plant is very resistant to pests but does have one great weakness. These plants tend to suffer from a leaf-spot disease caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas pruni. This condition causes the development of holes on the leaf blades and is not easy to treat since it does not respond to fungicides (1).
Is a cherry laurel a hedge?
Cherry laurel is a versatile plant that can be grown in its wild form as an attractive and showy spreading tree. There are many compact forms of this plant available that are suited for use as screens and formal or informal hedges. Cherry laurel hedge is a favorite choice by many gardeners. The showy and fragrant nature ...
What is the best way to plant English laurel?
When planting English laurel in dense clay or poor quality soil it is beneficial to thoroughly mix in some good organic matter such as composted cow manure, mushroom compost, and/or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the soil removed from the planting hole.
How to water a newly planted English laurel?
For an extra boost, you can water your newly planted English laurel with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development.
How to keep weeds from growing on my plant?
To conserve moisture and suppress weed growth, apply a 1 to 2" layer of shredded or chipped wood mulch or pine straw around the planting area. Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of your plant as this could cause the bark to rot.
How to remove English laurel from pot?
To remove your English Laurel from the container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the pot. Then grasp the base of the plant with your fingertips and try to gently remove the root ball from the container. If the root ball is stuck in the container use snips or a utility knife to cut the container away.
How to plant a sandbox?
Step 1. Start by digging your planting hole at least two to three times as wide and no deeper than the rootball. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheel barrow, or on a tarp. Step 2.
How to raise pH of English laurel?
You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
What to feed English laurel?
In Containers: Feed English laurel growing in containers with a slow-release granular plant fertilizer or all-purpose water soluble liquid plant food listed for use on plants growing in containers. Follow application instructions on product label.
