What is the common name for Prunus laurocerasus?
Prunus laurocerasus commonly called cherry laurel or english laurel is a broad, dense, spreading, evergreen shrub that in cultivation typically matures over time to 10-18′ tall with a spread to 20-25′. Laurel hedges can technically be trimmed at any time; the main advice we can offer is to try and avoid trimming laurel in the coldest months of the year as the cut edges can be susceptible to frost damage.Overwatering and poor drainage Laurel hedges need well-drained soil to thrive; otherwise, poor drainage can lead to issues like root rot and yellowing leaves. If the soil stays waterlogged, the roots can suffocate, causing stress to the plant and even leading to its death.The main issue with laurel is they grow wide very quickly and, if you are not careful, they completely take over the space,’ says Nick Grey, CEO of Gtech. It can, however, be easily kept small by pruning and can be kept clipped as a formal hedge.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.
Can you eat Prunus laurocerasus?
The fruits are astringent but edible. They contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide; any fruit tasting bitter (which indicates larger concentrations of hydrogen cyanide) should not be eaten. The seed inside the fruit (and the leaves) contain larger concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, and should never be eaten. They contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide; any fruit tasting bitter (which indicates larger concentrations of hydrogen cyanide) should not be eaten. The seed inside the fruit (and the leaves) contain larger concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, and should never be eaten.
How fast does Prunus laurocerasus grow?
The plant has a seemingly fast growth rate, looking at around 30-60cm per year, and can even be grown to 20/30ft high (though it is easier to maintain at a lower height). It grows at a moderate pace, reaching a height of about 10 feet with a spread of 3 to 6 feet, but you can easily prune it to keep it smaller.