A Guide To Laurel Hedging

By Paul Watmore, Director at Grasslands Nursery

Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is the UK’s most popular evergreen hedge — fast-growing, dense and easy to grow. Cherry laurel is the classic choice for quick, lush privacy; Portuguese laurel is the more refined, smaller-leaved alternative. Plant in autumn, space 60–90cm apart, and trim once or twice a year to keep a thick, healthy screen.

This guide covers the main types of laurel, how to choose the right one, when and how to plant, ongoing care, whether laurel is poisonous, and safe alternatives.

What is laurel hedging?

Laurel hedging is a group of evergreen shrubs grown as dense, year-round screens. The most common is cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), a vigorous, glossy-leaved evergreen, but the name also covers Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) and bay laurel (Laurus nobilis). Laurels are valued for fast growth, dense cover, tolerance of most soils and sun or partial shade — making them one of the easiest hedges to establish in a UK garden.

Types of laurel hedging

The right laurel depends on the look you want, how much space you have and how much trimming you’re happy to do. Here’s how the main varieties compare:

What to look for when choosing your laurel variety

Selecting the right laurel affects not just how your hedge looks, but how it grows and how much maintenance it needs. Weigh up these six factors:

1. Growth habit and size

Consider the final size. Cherry laurel can grow large and tall, while bay and Portuguese laurel stay more compact. Faster-growing varieties give quicker privacy but need more frequent pruning.

2. Leaf characteristics

Larger leaves (cherry laurel) give a denser, more informal screen. Smaller leaves (Portuguese laurel) suit a tighter, more formal finish. Variegated bay laurels add colour.

3. Site suitability

Most laurels prefer full sun to partial shade; common laurel and Schip laurel tolerate shadier spots. Match the soil type and pH to your chosen variety — laurels are adaptable but prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

4. Climate and hardiness

Ensure the variety suits your local climate. Some laurels are more frost-tolerant than others, and exposed or coastal sites need a tougher choice such as Portuguese laurel.

5. Maintenance and care

Fast-growing varieties need more frequent trimming to hold their shape. Some laurels also have better resistance to common pests and diseases.

6. Aesthetic appeal

Decide between a formal look (Portuguese laurel) and a more naturalistic one (cherry laurel), and consider seasonal interest — several laurels carry spring flowers followed by berries.

Top tips: visit the nursery to see plants in person, think long-term about the mature size, and ask our team for advice tailored to your site. We’ve been growing hedging near Knutsford since 1984 — call us on 01565 722766 or visit us Monday–Friday 9am–4:30pm, Saturday–Sunday 9:30am–4pm.

When to plant a laurel hedge

Autumn is the ideal time to plant laurel. Cooler temperatures and moist soil let the roots establish before winter, with less watering and a head start on the growing season.

• Autumn (preferred): roots establish in moist, cool soil before winter.
• Early spring: the next-best window, after the last frost — but water diligently through the first summer.
• Avoid extremes: don’t plant into frozen, waterlogged or drought-stressed ground.

Container-grown laurels can technically be planted year-round if kept well watered, but autumn and spring give the best results. For more on timing, see our guide to the best time to plant a hedge.

How to plant and prepare your laurel hedge

Site: choose full sun to partial shade with shelter for young plants. Soil: ensure well-drained ground — laurels dislike sitting in water — with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Spacing

Space most laurels 60–90cm (2–3ft) apart for a solid hedge; check the mature spread of your chosen variety. See how far apart to plant a hedge for a full breakdown.

Planting steps

1. Timing: plant in autumn or early spring to avoid extreme weather.
2. Dig: make each hole twice the width and the same depth as the rootball.
3. Plant: ease the plant from its pot, gently loosen the roots and set it so the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill: firm soil around the roots and water in thoroughly.
5. Mulch: apply a layer of organic mulch to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.

Aftercare

Water regularly through the first year, especially in dry spells. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring. Prune in late spring or early autumn to encourage dense growth, and keep an eye out for pests or disease so any problems can be treated early. With good planting and care, a laurel hedge will give beauty and privacy for decades.

Benefits of laurel hedging

Laurel is a versatile choice for a living screen that does several jobs at once:

• Privacy: a dense, year-round shield from neighbouring properties.
• Screening: hides unsightly views and features.
• Windbreak: filters strong winds for a more sheltered garden.
• Noise reduction: buffers traffic and other noise.
• Air quality: helps trap roadside pollution.
• Security: a thick barrier deters access.
• Wildlife: offers food and shelter, supporting garden biodiversity.

Want privacy straight away? Mature, root-balled instant laurel hedging goes in at head height and skips the years of waiting — see our guide to instant hedging.

Colourful and floral laurel hedging

Beyond classic green, several laurels bring flowers and foliage colour. Our top picks:

	Variety	Colour & interest	Growth/yr
	Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’)	Fragrant white spring flowers, red berries, dark green leaves	30–60cm
	Golden Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis ‘Aurea’)	Glossy green-and-gold leaves	15–30cm
	Rainbow Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis ‘Rainbow’)	Variegated green, pink and cream	15–30cm
	Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)	White early-summer flowers, dark berries, glossy leaves, red stems	30–45cm
	Purple-Leafed Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Herbergii’)	Deep purple-red foliage	15–30cm

Is laurel hedging poisonous?

Yes — most laurels are toxic if eaten. With the exception of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), laurels including cherry and Portuguese laurel contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when leaves are crushed or chewed. They can be harmful to livestock, pets and children.

Sensible precautions: site laurel hedges away from areas used by grazing animals or very young children, clear up prunings and fallen leaves, and teach children not to eat anything from the garden. If toxicity is a real concern, choose a non-toxic alternative below or opt for bay laurel.

Alternatives to laurel hedging

For sites shared with livestock or young children, these non-toxic hedges are safe alternatives:

	Plant	Why it works
	Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)	Robust, dense and thorny; safe for livestock and children, and great for wildlife.
	Hazel (Corylus avellana)	Dense, non-toxic and safe around animals and children — with the bonus of hazelnuts.
	Beech (Fagus sylvatica)	Safe and attractive, holding coppery leaves through winter.
	Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)	Like beech but tolerant of wetter soils; dense, leafy and safe. See our hornbeam care guide.
	Willow (Salix spp.)	Fast-growing and non-toxic, ideal for damp ground and living screens.

Always supervise young children in the garden as a precaution. Browse our full hedging range — with free delivery on orders over £400.

FAQs

What is the best type of laurel hedging?
The best laurel depends on your priorities. Cherry laurel is the top choice for fast, dense privacy; Portuguese laurel suits formal hedges and exposed sites; bay laurel is the non-toxic, family-friendly option. Our team can advise for your site — call 01565 722766.

What is the best way to plant laurel hedging?
Plant in late autumn or early spring into well-drained soil that’s moist but not waterlogged. Dig each hole twice the width of the rootball, set the plant level with the soil, firm in, water well and mulch.

How long does it take for laurel hedging to establish?
Laurel usually takes around 2–3 years to form a well-developed root system and dense growth, though you’ll see strong progress in the first year thanks to its vigorous habit.

What is a good way to care for a laurel hedge?
Prune in early spring and late summer, water consistently (especially in year one), feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring, keep the base weed-free and check for pests and disease.

How tall does a laurel hedge grow?
Left unpruned, laurel can reach 3–4 metres or more. With regular trimming you can hold it at any height that suits your garden.

Related guides

• Top 10 evergreen hedges for privacy
• The ultimate guide to trimming hedges
• How to trim a cherry laurel hedge
• Gardening tips: keeping plants healthy
• A guide to different types of hedging plants

About the author: Paul Watmore is a director at Grasslands Nursery, a family-run plant nursery near Knutsford, Cheshire, growing hedging, pleached trees and specimen plants since 1984. Meet the team →

Explore our laurel hedging range at Grasslands Nursery — all UK-grown and available to order online.