Laurel Hedging Help & Information

Prunus Rotundifolia Or Cherry Laurel

If you want an evergreen screen or privacy in a hurry, these are for you! Laurels are an extremely popular species made up of numerous trees, shrubs and hedging plants. Their practicality and aesthetic appearance come second to none as they are seen in thousands of gardens throughout the UK. Each type of laurel has a unique set of characteristics. That can be utilised to help you achieve a range of gardening goals. With an abundance of practical advantages, added interest and ability to grow in challenging environments, Laurel hedging should certainly be a major contender when considering garden hedge ideas.

There are a few options in laurels that we find are the easiest and nicest varities to work with:

Prunus Rotundifolia otherwise known as Cherry Laurels are evergreen hedges. They are part of the cherry laurel family. They have large, glossy apple coloured foliaged. They produce fruits that look a little bit like cherries and make a fantastic evergreen hedge. Laurels can grow up to 3ft a year, and can reach a ultimate height of 5 meters at full maturity.

Prunus Novita is a great option for the colder, more exposed locations this variety is grown to be more reslialint to the cold harsh environments. They are still fast growing and have the luxury dark green leaf colour. Height if left alone can reach 6m.

Prunus Etna - is a dwarf vareity of the popular Cherry Laurel only reaching 2.5m high and can easily be maintained at lower height. The foliage is a drak glossy green leaf with new growth a glossy coppery orange colour.

Pruning cherry laurels

A Laurel hedge will need trimming at least twice a year, we would suggest using secateurs as it keeps the plants looking tidy or for a quick ob trimmers can also be used. They are quite easy to maintain you should trim your laurel hedge in late spring or early summer as the hedge will produce new shoots very quickly at this time of year which is great as it will cover up any leaves that are left looking “tatty” after using a hedge trimmer.

Feeding Cherry Laurels

Cherry laurels need a general purpose feed such as chicken pellets or bone meal. Fertilizing once a year will help keep the foliage green and lush and also maintain prolific white, fragrant blooms.

Likes

Cherry laurels will tolerate most conditions with the exception of wet and chalky soils and they will thrive in sun or shade, so they are perfect to plant in any part of your garden!

Dislikes

Cherry laurels will not thrive very well in wet or chalky soils. With chalky or clay soils the drainage is very poor and cherry laurels cannot sit in wet, poor drained soil. This can cause leaves to turn yellow. No other reason will make the leaves turn yellow so quickly. The roots of a laurel plant will rot if they sit in waterlogged conditions for a long period of time.