The Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, commonly used in landscaping across temperate regions. Its appeal lies in its quick growth rate and its ability to maintain dense, glossy green foliage year-round, making it an excellent choice for privacy screening and hedging. Understanding the plant’s full growth potential is fundamental for proper placement, as its ultimate dimensions can quickly overwhelm a confined garden space if the wrong variety is chosen.
The Mature Size Profile
The standard, unselected Cherry Laurel species, if left unpruned in ideal growing conditions, can achieve substantial size, often growing into a small tree. Its maximum potential height typically ranges from 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters). The spread of the plant can be equally wide, reaching over 8 meters, creating a large, spreading, and dense silhouette.
A Cherry Laurel is considered to reach its mature size after 10 to 20 years. Its rapid growth rate, which can be anywhere from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) per year once established, contributes to its quick achievement of privacy-screening height. However, these large figures represent its full genetic potential, which is often managed or limited in a typical garden setting.
Cultivar Specifics and Growth Rates
The most significant factor determining a Cherry Laurel’s final height is the specific cultivar chosen, as breeders have selected varieties for their more compact habits. Cultivars offer a dramatic reduction in size compared to the straight species, making them suitable for smaller gardens and specific hedge heights.
For instance, the popular cultivar ‘Otto Luyken’ is considered a half-dwarf, typically reaching a mature height of only 3 to 5 feet (1.5 meters) with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. Another smaller variety, ‘Schipkaensis’ (or Schip Laurel), forms a moderate-growing, spreading shrub that usually matures at 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. The cultivar ‘Compacta’ is also bred for restricted growth, and it is listed as growing 4 to 8 feet tall with an equal spread. The variety ‘Zabeliana’ is known for its horizontal branching pattern and typically grows to about 5 to 6 feet in height, though its spread is considerable. The growth rate for these selected cultivars is generally moderate, which helps keep them more manageable than the fast-growing species.
Environmental Influences on Final Dimensions
The environment where a Cherry Laurel is planted significantly influences whether it reaches its maximum genetic height potential. The shrub is adaptable, thriving in full sun to deep shade; however, light availability directly affects its vigor. Plants receiving more sunlight generally exhibit faster, more robust growth, leading to a quicker achievement of their ultimate size.
Soil conditions also play a part in promoting strong growth; the plant prefers moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil. While it can tolerate various soil types, including poor or alkaline soils, growth may be stunted, and the plant can become chlorotic (yellowed) on very shallow, chalky soils. Adequate water availability, particularly when the plant is establishing itself, supports the rapid growth rate necessary to achieve a large final dimension.
Managing and Maintaining Desired Height
Because of its vigorous growth, controlling the Cherry Laurel’s height is a routine requirement for most gardeners, especially when it is used for hedging. The plant tolerates heavy pruning well, allowing for significant size reduction without damaging its health. Pruning can be divided into two main approaches: shearing and selective pruning.
Pruning Techniques
Shearing involves using hedge trimmers to create a formal, uniform shape, common for maintaining straight hedges. However, shearing cuts through the middle of the large leaves, leaving them with unsightly brown edges. Selective pruning, or reduction cutting, is a better method for maintaining the plant’s natural appearance and reducing overall size. This technique involves using hand pruners to cut individual branches back to a lateral branch or just above a leaf bud, which encourages denser growth. The best time for light trimming is typically after the plant has finished flowering in late spring or early summer. For a more drastic height reduction on an overgrown plant, a hard rejuvenation cut is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.