Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – Versatile, Vigorous Evergreen for Screening, Hedging & Beyond

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as Cherry Laurel, is one of the most widely planted and reliably performing evergreen shrubs in the UK. Its bold, glossy foliage, fast growth rate, and remarkable adaptability have made it a firm favourite for gardeners and landscapers alike — whether the goal is a dense formal hedge, a natural privacy screen, or a structural specimen that earns its keep all year round.

Few shrubs match Cherry Laurel for sheer versatility. It thrives in sun or shade, tolerates a wide range of soils, and bounces back readily from hard pruning. Come spring, its upright spikes of small white flowers add a welcome seasonal display, followed by dark, cherry-like fruits that provide valuable food for birds and wildlife into autumn.

Key Features

• Bold, large, lustrous evergreen leaves providing dense year-round cover

• Fast-growing and vigorous — ideal for establishing screens and hedges quickly

• Fragrant white flower spikes in spring, followed by wildlife-friendly dark fruits

• Exceptional tolerance of shade, including deep shade beneath tree canopies

• Highly adaptable to a range of soils and exposures

• Responds well to clipping and hard pruning — suited to formal or informal use

Habit & Appearance

Foliage: The leaves of Cherry Laurel are among the boldest and most handsome of any hardy evergreen — large, leathery, and a deep, lustrous green that holds its colour throughout the year. New growth flushes a vivid lime-green in spring and summer, creating a pleasing contrast against the mature foliage and giving the plant a sense of freshness even on dull days.

Flowers & Fruit: In mid to late spring, Cherry Laurel produces erect racemes of small, sweetly scented white flowers — often underappreciated, but a genuinely attractive feature when in full flush. These are followed by clusters of small fruits that ripen from red through to dark purple-black in autumn, eagerly taken by blackbirds and other garden birds. Note: the fruits are toxic to humans and should be treated with caution in family gardens.

Habit & Ultimate Size: Left to grow freely, Cherry Laurel develops into a large, spreading shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, capable of reaching 5–8m in height with a generous spread to match. Growth rates of 30–60cm per year are typical in favourable conditions. Maintained with regular clipping, it is easily kept at any desired height and width, making it equally at home as a neat 1.5m garden hedge or a towering woodland boundary planting.

Growing Conditions

Position: One of Cherry Laurel's greatest strengths is its tolerance of a wide range of light conditions. It performs well in full sun, partial shade, and even dense shade — making it one of very few vigorous evergreens that will establish successfully on a north-facing boundary or beneath an established tree canopy where little else will thrive.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types including clay, chalk, loam, and sandy soils, provided drainage is reasonably good. Cherry Laurel prefers a moist, fertile growing medium but is notably tolerant of drier conditions once established. Permanently waterlogged ground should be avoided, as prolonged wet conditions around the roots can cause decline.

Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK and across most of Northern Europe. Established plants withstand hard frosts without significant damage, making this a dependable choice even in colder or more exposed garden settings.

Care & Pruning

Watering: Water newly planted shrubs regularly throughout the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment. Once settled in, Cherry Laurel is notably drought-tolerant under typical UK conditions and rarely requires supplementary irrigation in subsequent years.

Feeding: Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser in spring to promote vigorous, healthy growth — particularly beneficial in poorer or recently cultivated soils. An annual mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base helps retain soil moisture, moderate temperature fluctuations, and suppress competing weeds.

Pruning: For formal hedging, trim once or twice a year — ideally in late spring after flowering, with a second light trim in late summer if a particularly neat finish is desired. Where possible, use secateurs rather than powered hedging shears to cut between leaves rather than through them; shears tend to sever the large leaves, leaving brown, unsightly cut edges that can persist for several months. Cherry Laurel will also tolerate renovation pruning, responding well even to cutting back hard into old wood in early to mid spring. As a free-growing specimen, it needs very little attention beyond the occasional removal of crossing, congested, or misdirected branches.

Pests & Disease: Cherry Laurel is generally a robust and trouble-free plant. The most commonly encountered issue is shot hole, a fungal condition that causes small, ragged holes to appear in the leaves. This is largely cosmetic and rarely poses a serious threat to an otherwise healthy, well-established plant. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead irrigation can help minimise its occurrence.

Hardy, fast-growing

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.