Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a popular, fast-growing evergreen shrub often selected for its dense, glossy foliage and its ability to create effective privacy screens and hedges. The ultimate height of a cherry laurel is highly variable and depends significantly on the specific cultivar chosen and the local growing environment. This variability is the primary concern for many gardeners planning their landscape.
Typical Mature Dimensions
When left entirely unpruned in ideal conditions, the common cherry laurel species can develop into a large, broad-spreading shrub or small tree. Mature specimens typically range from 15 to 30 feet tall. The plant’s spread often rivals its height, creating a massive, rounded form that may span 15 to 25 feet wide over several decades. This maximum natural size explains why the species is frequently utilized as a large-scale screening plant or windbreak in spacious gardens.
Key Cultivars and Their Sizes
The most significant determinant of a cherry laurel’s final size is the specific cultivar selected, as varieties have been bred for different growth habits. Large cultivars like ‘Rotundifolia’ are known for their broad leaves and quickly forming screens that can reach 13 to 26 feet (4 to 8 meters) in height. Another popular choice, ‘Schipkaensis’ (Skip Laurel), maintains a more upright, vase-shaped habit, typically maturing between 8 and 15 feet tall with a narrower spread of 4 to 8 feet. This upright form is particularly useful for tall, narrow hedges.
On the other end of the spectrum are the compact and dwarf selections, which are far more manageable for smaller spaces. The well-known ‘Otto Luyken’ cultivar typically grows only 3 to 4 feet tall but spreads considerably wider, often reaching 6 to 8 feet across. Another low-growing option, ‘Zabeliana,’ is a spreading variety that usually tops out between 3 and 5 feet high, often with a much greater horizontal reach that makes it suitable for low screens or ground cover.
Factors Influencing Growth Rate and Final Size
While genetics establish the potential size, environmental factors determine how quickly and fully a cherry laurel reaches that potential. The plant is adaptable, tolerating conditions from full sun to deep shade, but it performs best in rich, organically enhanced, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is beneficial for vigorous growth, though once established, the plant shows notable tolerance for periods of drought. Poorly drained soil, however, can lead to root rot and stunted growth, preventing the plant from achieving its maximum dimensions.
Managing Size Through Pruning
To maintain a cherry laurel below its natural mature height, regular management is necessary. The plant tolerates heavy pruning and can be significantly reduced in size, even into older, woody stems, a process known as rejuvenation pruning. The optimal time for a major size reduction is in late winter or early spring before the new season’s growth begins. For routine maintenance and shaping, pruning should be performed in late spring or early summer, immediately after the plant has finished flowering. When creating a formal, manicured hedge, selective hand pruning is recommended over shearing to avoid cutting the large, broad leaves in half, which leaves unsightly brown edges. Pruning a hedge so that the base is slightly wider than the top ensures that sunlight reaches the lower foliage, promoting dense growth from the ground up.