Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – A Versatile, Hardworking Evergreen for Year-Round Structure

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as Cherry Laurel, is one of the most widely grown and reliably performing evergreen shrubs in UK gardens. With its bold, glossy foliage, vigorous constitution, and remarkable adaptability, it earns its reputation as a first-choice plant for screening, hedging, and structural planting in a huge variety of settings.

Fast-growing and unfussy, Cherry Laurel is equally at home in a formal clipped hedge, a relaxed informal boundary, or massed as ground cover beneath a woodland canopy. Its spring flower spikes and wildlife-friendly autumn fruits add seasonal interest beyond the foliage alone, making it a genuinely four-season plant.

Habit & Appearance

Foliage: The leaves are large, leathery, and a deep, lustrous green — among the most striking of any hardy evergreen shrub. New growth emerges in a fresh lime-green before darkening to its characteristic rich tone, giving the plant an air of freshness throughout the growing season. The density and size of the foliage make Cherry Laurel one of the most effective plants for creating a solid, opaque screen.

Flowers & Fruit: In mid to late spring, the plant produces upright racemes of small, sweetly fragrant white flowers — an often underappreciated display that draws in pollinators. These are followed in autumn by clusters of dark purple-black cherry-like fruits, which are highly attractive to birds and other garden wildlife.

Form & Size: Left unpruned, Cherry Laurel will develop into a large, spreading shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, capable of reaching 5–6m in height with a considerable spread. Growth rates of 30–60cm per year are typical in good conditions. Regular pruning keeps it easily manageable at whatever size suits your space.

Growing Conditions

Position: One of Cherry Laurel's greatest strengths is its tolerance of difficult light conditions. It thrives in full sun, partial shade, and even dense shade, making it one of the very few vigorous evergreens suitable for planting beneath an existing tree canopy, on a north-facing boundary, or in other challenging aspects where most plants struggle.

Soil: Highly tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, chalk, loam, and sandy soils, provided drainage is reasonably good. It prefers a moist, fertile growing medium but copes well in drier conditions once properly established. Permanently waterlogged ground should be avoided.

Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK and most of Northern Europe, withstanding hard and prolonged frosts without significant damage. It is equally tolerant of exposed, coastal, and urban environments, including sites affected by air pollution.

Care & Pruning

Watering: Water regularly throughout the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment. Once settled in, Cherry Laurel becomes notably drought-tolerant and generally requires little supplementary irrigation in typical UK conditions.

Feeding: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in spring to promote vigorous, healthy growth — particularly beneficial on poorer soils. An annual mulch of organic matter around the base helps retain moisture, improve soil structure, and suppress competing weeds.

Pruning: For formal hedges and screens, trim once or twice annually — ideally in late spring after flowering and again in late summer if a second tidy is needed. Where possible, use secateurs rather than powered shears to avoid cutting through the large individual leaves, which can result in unsightly browning at the cut edges. As a free-growing specimen or informal boundary shrub, Cherry Laurel needs very little intervention — occasional removal of crossing, damaged, or overcrowded branches in late spring is generally all that is required to keep it looking its best.

Pests & Disease: A tough and generally trouble-free plant. The most common issue is shot hole, a fungal condition that causes small holes to appear in the leaves. While this can look alarming, it is largely cosmetic and rarely causes lasting harm to an otherwise healthy, well-established plant.

Reliable, handsome, and genuinely low-maintenance, Cherry Laurel is a cornerstone plant for any garden where year-round structure, dense screening, and ease of care are the priorities. Few shrubs offer such consistent performance across such a wide range of conditions.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

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Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.