How quickly do cherry laurels grow?
There are multiple factors that affect the rate at which your laurel hedge will grow, the main one being the variety of Laurel hedge plant you choose. Laurel hedges vary in growth, and depending on the species, they have the ability to grow between 15-60cm per year. Laurel can be planted not only as a hedge in the garden, it is also well suited for growing in a pot. Potted laurel plants are well suited for winter months when it is not advisable to actually plant them outside. If you have the laurel in a pot, you can place it in a variety of places.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.They are hardy down to -20°C, which adds to their versatility in varied conditions, whether it be weather or soil type. Laurel can be planted at any time of the year; if you plant between March and October, you will need to water the plants until October passes.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.
What is the lifespan of a cherry laurel?
Lifespan. Carolina Cherry Laurel can live 25 years or more when provided with suitable growing conditions and regular maintenance. 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.It grows in full sun to deep shade. Cherry laurel is accepting of most soil types and textures but grows best in rich soil high in organic matter. This plant blooms in the spring with heavily fragrant flowers that bloom even in heavy shade.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.Leaves may turn yellow, brown, and fall off as branch tips die back. Cherry laurel does not tolerate compacted clay soil that drains poorly. In those conditions, excess soil moisture reduces oxygen levels. This can stress or kill roots, resulting in a reduced root system that is unable to function well.Water your Cherry Laurel frequently to keep a consistent moist soil, but be careful not to have a constantly saturated soil.
What is the disadvantage of Cherry Laurel?
Cherry laurel leaves, stems and seeds are toxic for humans and pets to ingest. In forests, cherry laurel competes with native plants by forming a dense cover that shades tree seedlings and shrubs. Cherry laurel has a large, fibrous root system that can damage nearby structures. Plant at least a couple of meters from buildings and structures, especially in clay soil, to avoid potential damage.Due to mountain laurel being poisonous to digestion, it’s also incredibly dangerous to burn. This tree looks like the perfect kindling; dry and thin.Laurel hedging is also toxic to humans – including berries, leaves and stems – and particularly wilted or fallen leaves. Care should be taken whilst planting your hedge and avoid chipping the wood, as this can release hydrocyanic fumes into the air.
Is cherry laurel toxic to touch?
It’s important to wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning cherry laurel, as the leaves and branches contain toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation or even respiratory issues. Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a popular evergreen shrub, prized for its dense foliage and ability to create natural privacy screens. Propagating cherry laurel is a cost effective way to expand your garden, and it can be done using either softwood or hardwood cuttings.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.When crushed the leaves smell of almonds (unlike Spurge-laurel which do NOT smell of almonds). Cherry Laurel is an evergreen shrub, branching from the base, up to 6 m high. It was widely introduced as an ornamental hedge plant and suited to almost all kinds of soil.The leaves of the cherry laurel do not fall off in winter, as is the case with deciduous trees, but nevertheless, brown and withered leaves tend to appear on the shrub. Most often, these are diseased parts of the plant or those damaged by frost or pruning. Check the plant regularly and remove these spots generously.
Is Cherry Laurel low maintenance?
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. 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.Pruning Laurel to Encourage Growth Sharp pruners or hedge trimmers will make this a lot easier and quicker to do. 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.