Cherry laurel, Prunus laurocerasus, is a versatile and popular evergreen shrub. Gardeners frequently choose it for creating dense hedges, effective privacy screens, or as attractive ornamental shrubs. Its enduring appeal stems from its evergreen foliage, robust nature, and relatively fast growth, making it a reliable choice for various landscape needs.
Planting Cherry Laurels
Careful site selection and proper planting are key for cherry laurels. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, with sunnier spots encouraging more prolific flowering. Well-drained soil is important, as waterlogged conditions are not tolerated. They adapt to various soil types, including clay and sandy loam, with a preferred pH of 4.5 to 7.5.
Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so the top sits level with the surrounding soil. After placing the plant, backfill the hole, gently firming the soil to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Ongoing Care
Watering Needs
Cherry laurels require consistent moisture, especially when newly planted and during dry periods. Watering deeply once a week throughout spring and summer helps establish a robust root system. Avoid overwatering, as prolonged soggy conditions can lead to root issues. Check soil moisture one to two inches deep to determine watering needs.
Fertilization
Annual fertilization supports cherry laurel growth and lush foliage. Applying a slow-release granular fertilizer, formulated for trees and shrubs, in early spring or fall can provide essential nutrients. Follow product instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning promotes healthier, bushier growth and manages cherry laurel size.
Routine pruning is best done in late spring or early summer, after flowering. This allows recovery and new growth before winter. For significant size reduction, heavier pruning can be done in late winter, ideally by the end of February, before new growth begins.
Use sharp, clean secateurs or loppers for precise cuts; hedge trimmers can tear leaves and cause browning. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, cutting back to healthy wood.
For hedges, maintain a slightly wider base than the top (an A-shape) for dense, sunlit lower branches. This also prevents snow accumulation and winter breakage. For individual shrubs, renewal pruning involves cutting a few oldest, thickest stems to the ground over several years, encouraging vigorous new growth.
Addressing Common Issues
Pest Management
Cherry laurels are generally resilient, though they can encounter various pests. Common pests include scale insects, like white prunicola scale, which appear as white waxy coverings on branches and can lead to leaf yellowing and dieback. Peachtree borers cause branch dieback and leaf browning, indicated by holes and sawdust-like frass at stem bases.
Prevention involves proper planting depth and avoiding excessive mulch near the trunk. Manual removal of scale with a soft brush is effective for light infestations; pruning infested branches helps with borers and heavy scale.
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Several diseases can affect cherry laurels, often linked to environmental conditions. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, later causing brown spots and holes. Leaf spot and shot hole diseases cause brown spots on leaves, with centers often falling out, creating a “shot-hole” appearance. These fungal and bacterial issues are favored by warm, wet conditions.
Preventative measures include good air circulation through proper plant spacing and avoiding overhead watering. Removing and destroying infected leaves limits disease spread. Root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves and branch dieback, results from overly wet or poorly draining soil.
Environmental Stress
Cherry laurels can exhibit stress signs from non-pest or disease factors. Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies, over/under-watering, or poor drainage. Browning leaf edges or general decline can result from drought, strong winds, or harsh winter conditions (windburn).
Winter Care
Cherry laurels are generally hardy, but can experience winter damage in colder climates or exposed sites. Protecting them during colder months ensures health and vigor in spring.
Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base insulates roots from extreme temperature fluctuations and retains soil moisture. For exposed locations, burlap screens or temporary windbreaks shield plants from harsh, drying winter winds (windburn).