Does Cherry Laurel make a good hedge?
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’) is one of the most versatile and popular hedging species. Cherry Laurel is often referred to as Common Laurel or Prunus hedging and boasts large, glossy green foliage all-year-round. Ideally, the best times for pruning Laurel Hedges are in Spring, before the growth in the Summer, or in Autumn, leaving enough time for the damaged branches to heal before the Winter kicks in.Low maintenance and easy to grow Cherry Laurel is incredibly hardy and adaptable. It thrives in a variety of soil types, tolerates drought once established, and can handle both full sun and partial shade. It also requires minimal trimming—just one or two prunings per year—to keep it looking neat and tidy.Autumn Planting (Late September to November) Early Growth: Come spring, laurels planted in the fall will have already developed strong roots and can put their energy into above-ground growth.Control large cherry laurel plants by cutting stems near the ground. Expect regrowth from the stem below the cut.
What is the downside of a laurel hedge?
Laurel plants make excellent hedge options since they are hardy, fast-growing, and evergreen. However, laurel hedge problems can arise if pests or diseases take hold of the plants. Common laurel hedge pests include vine weevil, aphids, thrips, lacebugs, scale insects, and caterpillars. Low maintenance and easy to grow Cherry Laurel is incredibly hardy and adaptable. It thrives in a variety of soil types, tolerates drought once established, and can handle both full sun and partial shade. It also requires minimal trimming—just one or two prunings per year—to keep it looking neat and tidy.Cherry Laurel’s rapid growth and ability to thrive in the shade or drought means that it will quickly overtake other plants, and shade out native trees, taking away from their habitats and causing big problems for our ecosystems.Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is generally considered a tough evergreen but its leaves can be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot fungi and bacterial shothole. Affected plants or hedges look unsightly.Once established, cherry laurel is a relatively low-maintenance plant. While it is establishing, water regularly through dry spells, particularly in summer. Avoid overwatering, as cherry laurel does not tolerate waterlogged soil.Fast Growth: Many species, such as Cherry Laurel and Portuguese Laurel, grow quickly, making them excellent for hedges and screens. Low Maintenance: Once established, these shrubs or trees require minimal care, thriving with occasional pruning and watering.
What is the lifespan of a laurel plant?
Laurel oaks have a life span of 50 to 70 years. Tree trunks and large branches often hollow from decay and wood rot. Lifespan. Carolina Cherry Laurel can live 25 years or more when provided with suitable growing conditions and regular maintenance.
When should you not cut a laurel hedge?
Laurel hedging can be cut back quite far, as long as you avoid doing so in the winter months when frost can damage the plant if there are newly cut edges. Cherry Laurel’s rapid growth and ability to thrive in the shade or drought means that it will quickly overtake other plants, and shade out native trees, taking away from their habitats and causing big problems for our ecosystems.Apart from the Bay Laurel (which needs to have full sun), all other Laurel hedging varieties are very versatile plants, good for both sunny or shady areas.The best time of year to plant laurel hedging is in the spring or autumn. This is because the ground is still warm enough for the hedge to get off to a good start, but it’s not too hot or cold so the plants won’t suffer. If you live in an area with a cold winter, it’s best to wait until the spring to plant your hedge.Apart from the Bay Laurel (which needs to have full sun), all other Laurel hedging varieties are very versatile plants, good for both sunny or shady areas.
How to thicken up a laurel hedge?
Regular pruning is essential for thickening a laurel hedge. Prune the hedge annually or as needed to remove any leggy or sparse growth. Concentrate on selectively pruning the tips of branches to encourage lateral branching and stimulate new growth. This helps create a denser and fuller hedge. Laurel can be trimmed or pruned to the height you require and, if it grows too big, it can be cut back as hard as you like – right back to the stump if necessary – and it will re-grow quickly into a new hedge.Ideally, the best times for pruning Laurel Hedges are in Spring, before the growth in the Summer, or in Autumn, leaving enough time for the damaged branches to heal before the Winter kicks in.The majority of laurel hedging isn’t going to have a root system large enough to damage homes and other properties. As long as your hedge is kept at a fair height, there shouldn’t be an issue with laurel roots. However, we would always recommend against planting a laurel hedge right up to an external wall of a house.
What month is best to plant laurels?
As stated above, bare-root laurel needs to be planted from November to March, before the spring and summer. However, container grown laurel hedging can be planted year round. About English Laurel It grows at a very rapid rate, sometimes 23′ per year in the right conditions, allowing it to become a very large hedge very quickly. It could easily be grown and maintained at 12′ tall and 8′ wide, or smaller if desired. It is a broadleaf evergreen, so it lends a lush texture to the landscape.Laurel, Common – fast growing – 30/60cm per year. Laurel, Compact – slow growing – 10/20cm per year. Laurel, Etna – moderate growing – 20/40cm per year. Laurel, Portugal – moderate growing – 20/40cm per year.Space the individual Laurel plants approximately 60 to 90 centimetres (2-3 feet) apart. This gives them plenty of room to grow and fill in the gaps, creating a dense and visually appealing hedge over time. Small bare root plants will need a higher planting density than larger potted or root balls plants.