How fast do cherry laurel trees grow?
Part of the reason the cherry laurel is so popular is that it is quite fast-growing. When these plants receive the care they need, they can easily put on more than 2 feet of new growth in a single growing season.
How long does it take to grow a cherry laurel hedge?
How Long does Cherry Laurel Take to Grow? Cherry Laurel typically grows between 30 and 60cm per year, which is relatively fast. It has an ultimate height of up to 8 metres. If left untrimmed, the hedging will reach this height in around 20-50 years.
How quickly does Laurel grow?
Laurel, Bay – slow growing – 15/30cm per year. Laurel, Caucasica – fast growing – 30/60cm per year. Laurel, Common – fast growing – 30/60cm per year. Laurel, Compact – slow growing – 10/20cm per year.
How do you make Laurel grow faster?
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.
Which laurel grows fastest?
English laurel (or Cherry Laurel) can make an enormous fast-growing hedge. Under the right conditions, it can grow up to 3 feet per year! It does very well in heat. It has glossy evergreen foliage and makes a very attractive large hedge with regular pruning 1-2 times per year.
How much does a cherry laurel grow in a year?
around 30 - 60cm per yearCherry Laurel hedging has a relatively fast growth rate of around 30 - 60cm per year, making it an economical way to achieve height. In fact, Cherry Laurel can easily grow to between 20 - 30ft high over time, but it is easy to maintain to a lower height.
What month do laurels start growing?
Laurel planted in the late autumn, winter or early spring will have had a chance to develop a root system before the soil dries out in the spring (as long as they were planted correctly) but laurel planted in late spring, summer or early autumn need to be watered regularly for the first growing season (March to October ...
How far apart should cherry laurel be planted?
You should position each plant two to three feet apart, depending on how quickly you want a dense hedge to form. If you want a thick hedge quickly, plant them two feet apart, otherwise plant them at three feet intervals.
What is the difference between English laurel and cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel, also called English laurel, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree often used for landscaping, usually as a hedge. Related to cherry trees, cherry laurel gets its common name from its resemblance to the true laurel tree.
What is the fastest growing evergreen for privacy?
1. Thuja x 'Green Giant' – Hybrid Arborvitae. Green Giant might be the best evergreen for privacy. It has an extremely fast growth rate, putting on 3-4' per year.
Are cherry laurel roots invasive?
Cherry Laurel is an alien (non-native) invasive plant, meaning it out-competes crowds-out and displaces beneficial native plants that have been naturally growing in Ireland for centuries.
How wide do cherry laurels grow?
Prunus laurocerasus is a vigorous, large, spreading evergreen shrub which can grow if left over 20 or more years to a height of between 4 and 8m, and over 8m in width. However it is tolerant to cutting and regenerates well.
How far apart should cherry laurel be planted?
between 2 and 3 feetHow far apart should I plant laurel plants to form a hedge? All types of laurel should be planted between 2 and 3 feet (60-90cm) apart. If you want a quick screen then plant your laurel hedging plants at 2ft apart but if you are willing to wait a bit longer, you will get just as dense a hedge by planting at 3ft apart.
What is the quickest growing hedge?
Leylandii - Green Leylandii is a fast-growing hedge plant that has the quickest growth rate of approximately 75-90cm per year. Leylandii, also known as Cupressocyparis, is a stunning hedge plant that will add elegance to your garden.
How far apart should you plant laurels?
You should position each plant two to three feet apart, depending on how quickly you want a dense hedge to form. If you want a thick hedge quickly, plant them two feet apart, otherwise plant them at three feet intervals.
When should you plant a laurel hedge?
If you working out how to plant laurel hedging and are planting bare root laurel, you should plant it around November time, when the ground is still warm. The ground should also be dry as bare root laurel is vulnerable to rot if sitting in water for too long.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 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 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.
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).
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 the name of the plant that grows in the United States?
There is a plant, native to the United States, that is also commonly known as the cherry laurel. This plant, which is scientifically known as Prunus caroliniana is also occasionally used in landscaping and horticulture but is not the focus of this article, which covers the more widely known old-world plant.
How tall does Prunus grow?
In its natural form, this plant is a spreading evergreen that can reach over 25 feet (7.5 m) tall and grow even wider than it is high.
How tall do sage seedlings grow?
In their first year, seedlings might only grow to about 6 inches (15 cm) tall or less but will begin to grow more rapidly once established in the next year or two.
Where is cherry laurel native to?
Aside from its toxicity, the other potentially undesirable trait of cherry laurel, which is native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe, is a tendency for invasive growth. This is particularly true in the Pacific Northwest where the damp climate suits this easily spread shrub.
What is a cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel is a handsome evergreen shrub that will tolerate shade and produces dainty white sweet-smelling flowers in spring. It is fast-growing and lures birds with its cherry-like red fruits, which turn black in maturity. Certainly this plant can be an attractive and useful addition to the landscape, but before you bring one home from the nursery, consider its less endearing characteristics. Remember the trusting small girl in the folk tale Little Red Riding Hood who meets and is eaten by a wolf disguised as her ailing grandmother? The gardener would be wise to be skeptical of the cherry laurel’s seemingly benign appearance and behavior.
How is Prunus laurocerasus spread?
Prunus laurocerasus is spread by suckering from the root system and by seeds which are frequently widely dispersed by birds who eat the fruit. Above: Cherry laurel, blooming in Berlin. Photograph by Sebastian Rittau via Flickr.
How big is Prunus laurocerasus?
The straight species of Prunus laurocerasus tends to be extremely large (up to 25 feet tall and 30 feet wide) and can easily be given a tree-like form by progressively pruning away the lower branches as the shrub grows taller. Gardeners looking for less massive plants should investigate some of the many cultivars which are widely available.
How tall does a chipkaensis grow?
‘Schipkaensis’ is a spreading shrub growing five to 10 feet tall.
Is cherry laurel a salt or pollen tolerant shrub?
Approximately 40 diverse cultivars provide plenty of choices for many uses including hedges and screens as well as bushy ground covers. Cherry laurel is a salt- and pollution-tolerant shrub. Butterflies, bees, and birds are attracted to this plant.
Can Prunus laurocerasus be planted in a high traffic area?
If you are prepared to keep this shrub under control and prevent pets and people from eating it (perhaps by planting it away from high traffic areas in the garden), then feel free to add Prunus laurocerasus to your garden where its talent for vigorous expansion, tolerance of shade, and distinctive appearance can solve all sorts of landscaping dilemmas.
How long does it take for a skip cherry laurel to grow?
The Skip Cherry Laurel will become a ten-foot hedge is four or five years, if you water and fertilize it regularly. Yes, you did read that right. In just a few years you have a mature screen of handsome rich green foliage. You can prune it into a neat hedge, or just let it grow naturally into something more casual, but just as beautiful. Over time it may grow well over 15 feet tall, and be about 6 feet wide, so allow enough room when planting so that it doesn’t develop space issues. Plant at least 3 feet from a wall, fence or boundary, and space your plants 4 or even 5 feet apart for a screen.
What is a cherry laurel?
Cherry Laurel comes in lots of sizes, but it always has simple, oval leaves that can be 4 to 8 inches long, depending on the variety. The leaves are glossy, and a rich, healthy green color, so they always look good in your garden. It grows naturally into a dense shrub, so its ideal for screening or filling spaces, even if you don’t bother to trim it. It is hardy anywhere from zone 6 to zone 8, so outside of the colder states, it can be grown all across the country, except for Florida and southern Texas. In spring untrimmed plants will produce upright clusters of white scented flowers, sometimes followed by black berries. Just one warning, although birds love them, those berries can be bad for you, so don’t let your children go sampling them. Plants that are regularly trimmed rarely produce flowers or berries, and you can avoid berries by trimming after flowering is over.
What is the scientific name for cherry laurel?
In some parts of the country Cherry Laurel is called English Laurel, so when buying it look for it by its scientific name – Prunus laurocerasus – and you can’t go wrong. It came to America with the early settlers, who knew a useful plant when they saw one, but before that it grew wild around the Black Sea.
How tall does a schipkaensis grow?
Unlike the big old-fashioned forms, this shrub grows wide, and not so tall. It will usually reach just 3 or 4 feet tall, but that plant can be 6 or 8 feet wide. The leaves are smaller too, making a lovely compact plant. Use it to fill larger spaces, without blocking the view from windows, or from across your garden. Also known as Schikpa, or by its full name as ‘Schipkaensis’, , that is going to give you privacy and quiet all year round. That’s right, not only does a dense evergreen hedge block prying eyes or ugly views, it filters noise, turning your garden into a tranquil haven. As well it filters the air of dust and pollutants – so it’s a win-win all round. This variety is a selection of unknown origin that grows to a medium size of 4 to 6 feet tall – right between the other varieties, making it ideal for a low privacy hedge, or for a taller, background plant behind your flowering shrubs. It is versatile enough to use almost anywhere in the garden, especially in those dark, shady spots where you can’t get other plants to grow.
How tall does a sage bush get?
Unlike the big old-fashioned forms, this shrub grows wide, and not so tall. It will usually reach just 3 or 4 feet tall, but that plant can be 6 or 8 feet wide. The leaves are smaller too, making a lovely compact plant. Use it to fill larger spaces, without blocking the view from windows, or from across your garden.
Do evergreens take up time?
Evergreens are essential, but we don’t want them to take up our time or be ‘fussy’ and difficult to grow – no, we want them to do their thing quietly and efficiently in the background, with a periodic trim being about all the care they need. If you are looking for evergreens like that, which are attractive all year round, yet never ask for much at all, then Cherry Laurels are the plants for you.
Can cherry laurel grow in shade?
But not for the Che rry Laurel. It is renowned for its ability to survive in those darkest corners – it may not grow quite so dense, but it will make a respectable filler where almost nothing else will grow. If those spots are problem areas in your garden, then the problem is solved. Of course it will also grow in partial shade and full sun too.
What is Cherry Laurel?
Whether you want a lovely specimen tree or an attractive living hedge, cherry laurel shrubs ( Prunus laurocerasus) are a beautiful addition to any landscape. Native to the eastern Mediterranean –the Balkans, Asia Minor, and areas bordering the Black Sea– this attractive, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree grows from 15 to 40 feet (4.5-12 m.) in height with a 10 to 35 foot (3-10 m.) spread.
How tall do sage trees grow?
Native to the eastern Mediterranean –the Balkans, Asia Minor, and areas bordering the Black Sea– this attractive, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree grows from 15 to 40 feet (4.5-12 m.) in height with a 10 to 35 foot (3-10 m.) spread.
Is a cherry laurel plant healthy?
Cherry laurels are healthy plants overall but sometimes develop fungal problems. Watch for signs of pests as well, like whitefly or borer infestations, and treat immediately with an appropriate pesticide such as neem oil.
How Fast does a Laurel Grow?
What is the best way to determine how fast a Laurel hedge will grow? It may sound like an easy question, but there are many different factors that can influence the growth rate.
How to grow a laurel faster?
Having a regular watering schedule during the drier months will certainly help your laurel grow faster.
What is Laurel?
Laurel is the name of a shrub in the family of plants called Lauraceae. The most common type is known as “sweet bay” or “bay laurel”, and it is considered a symbol of victory.
How much water do laurels need?
Laurels are voracious drinkers and need a lot of water! A laurel can drink up to 1.5 litres of water per day and throughout the spring and summer months, they will need to be well watered.
What is the best soil for a laurel tree?
Laurels require rich, moist soil that is full of nutrients. Planting the tree in a place where it will be sheltered from strong winds is also important to its chances of survival.
Why is my laurel not growing?
One reason that your laurel may not be growing as fast as possible is that it may be competing with other plants and weeds etc.
Why do laurel plants need nutrients?
Like most plants, laurel will need to absorb nutrients in order for it to grow as vigorously as possible.

What Is A Cherry Laurel Shrub?
How to Grow A Cherry Laurel
- Prunus laurocerasusis 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. In their first year, seedlings might only grow to ...
Care and Maintenance
- Cherry laurel tolerates pruning very well and is often grown as a formal, well-manicured hedge. Prune this plant shortly after flowering is complete if you’d like to enjoy the fragrant showy blossoms that this plant has to offer while minimizing the chance of the seed being distributed by birds after eating the ripe fruits. Provided you’re growing this plant in soil with some organic mat…
Uses
- Horticultural Uses
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 garden… - Human Uses
There are varying reports on the toxicity of this plant. What is agreed on is that it contains amygdalin, cyanogenic glycosides, and hydrogen cyanide, a toxic substance that gives the plant its characteristic almond-like smell. Although this chemical is said to be more concentrated in th…
FAQs
- Conclusion Cherry laurel shrub is a beautiful and low-maintenance evergreen option for gardens in zones 6 to 9. As a fragrant evergreen hedge, specimen plant, or even tree, this plant has a number of great benefits but also a few drawbacks. Potential for invading natural habitats, toxic nature, and strong fragrance are all factors that should be carefully considered before planting. Check o…