Laurel Cherry or Prunus laurocerasus Novita is an evergreen shrub in the Prunus genus, commonly known as Common Laurel, English Laurel, or Cherry Laurel in North America. Cherry laurel is a plant that originated in areas bordering the Black Sea in southeastern Europe and Southwest Asia. People widely cultivate the Plants belonging to this genus as ornamental plants in temperate regions worldwide. In addition, people use it in parks and gardens as landscape plants, screening plants, and hedgerow plants.
These common names refer to the similarity of the foliage and appearance of this species to that of Bay Laurel, a true laurel in the Lauraceae family. These plants are not closely related, but people use both plants for laurel wreaths. To know more about the prunus, keep reading.
Why To Plant Prunus Laurocerasus?
Prunus laurocerasus is a deciduous plant that exhibits many features and benefits that make it stand out among hedge plants. The following are some of the reasons why you should consider planting this hedge plant:
- It is an evergreen hedge that grows quickly and makes a good privacy screen. Considering that conifers are not your thing, this Cherry Laurel species is the next fastest-growing evergreen plant that will form a large thick hedge in no time.
- You can also prune or trim the trees according to your desired height. If you struggle with an overgrowth, you can prune them hard, and they will re-grow into a thick hedge.
- There are many types of soils in which the plant will grow well, either in full sun or in partial shade. You will often see these plants planted under the canopy of trees and trimmed to a lower height in order to combat bracken and brambles.
- The plant’s ability to withstand cold temperatures makes it suitable for British winters as a hedge plant.
- The Prunus laurocerasus requires only a couple of trimmings per year so they remain relatively low-maintenance. Usually, a neat hedge of 1.5m to 2m in height doesn’t require much work.
- A mature tree can reach a height of about 5m, so it is ideal for growing them along boundaries.
- As a result, they are a good hedging plant for gardens near busy roads since they also reduce noise and pollution.
- Glossy leaves add an aesthetic feature to your landscape but also reflect too much sunlight from your garden.
Prunus Laurocerasus Growth
Like Buxus sempervirens, Prunus laurocerasus is an attractive, very large shrub with evergreen leaves. It is a hedging plant which suits to grow in dense shade, where its glossy leaves add a splash of brightness because of their light-reflective attributes.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert gardener, you should be able to grow Cherry Laurel plants. The shrubs are tolerant of extreme light conditions, drought and aerosol salt. You can cultivate these shrubs in both sunny and shady areas. Those who live in cool areas benefit from bright, direct sunlight, while those who live in warmer climates benefit from partial to full shade.
Environmental Conditions
The Cherry Laurel plant thrives in almost any environmental condition; however, they do not do well in frosty conditions. The majority of species are quite hardy, between 59 and 68 ° F (15-20 °C). And varieties like Zabeliana, Forest Green, and Otto Luyken can even handle temperatures as low as -4 °F (-20 °C). They prefer soil that is moist but well-drained, as well as one that is rich in nutrients.
Fertilizers And Pesticides
Whenever you fertilize these shrubs, it is important that you follow the instructions on the package and all of the labels to ensure that you do the job correctly. They do not require too much fertilizer as they can burn the roots or cause excessive damage to the plants overall health. So, make sure you fertilize your Cherry Laurel tree with either a fertilizer for evergreens or a fertilizer for ornamental trees only once a year, in the spring.
In addition to providing all the nutrition needed, these fertilizers will keep the foliage lush and the flowers fragrant. You can also use light fertilizer containing sulfur and iron if you prefer. There is generally no evidence that Cherry Laurels are susceptible to the diseases like leaf spot, stem canker, and fire blight, this implies that they are a tough, healthy plant. The presence of pests, such as caterpillars, mites, or borers, may appear from time to time. You can use an appropriate organic pesticide such as neem oil to treat your plant.
Pruning
The act of pruning a Cherry Laurel is one of the most entertaining activities you can undertake with this shrub. You will be able to strengthen your plant’s structure through pruning. You can cut the leaves of the plant and shape them to make your plant look nicer. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination!
Where Can I Grow The Plant?
Prunus laurocerasus Novita grows well in a wide variety of soil types; however, it prefers fertile, well-drained soils. In addition to being happy in full sun or partial shade, it is also ideal for dry shade under trees. You should not plant Cherry Laurel tree in areas that remain wet in winter.
How To Plant Prunus Shrub?
Prunus laurocerasus plants must be planted properly to establish quickly. The following steps should be followed:
- Well-drained soil and full or partial sun are ideal for plant growth. Remove grass and weeds from their area to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
- You must dig a trench twice as wide as the clod. Mix the loosened soil with compost at the bottom of the trench. Roots will then be able to penetrate the soil quickly and easily, as well as receive nutrients for growth.
- Ensure that the top of the clod is at least 1 or 2 cm below the top of the surrounding soil as you place the clod in the trench
- You will backfill the trench by combining compost with soil and firming it with your hands or feet as you go.
- Ensure that the young plants are properly hydrated during the first year of growth by providing them with deep watering
Tips For Prunus
You should not consume any part of the plant since it is poisonous. Prunus laurocerasus should be planted in optimal conditions if you want a thick, dense hedge. The importance of water cannot be overstated. It is important to water the Cherry laurel hedge plants throughout their first growing year, even though they are hardy. You can reduce evaporation by applying mulch.
Spacing For Prunus
Whether you want to create a windbreak or a living privacy fence in your garden, the spacing between Prunus laurocerasus plants will vary. You can trim this plant to fit small spaces or use it to cover large areas. You should plant two to three plants per meter for a thick hedge.
Care & Advice For Prunus
Prunus laurocerasus grows rapidly and requires very little maintenance. However, plants cannot tolerate dry soil during long dry seasons, so they need to be watered to prevent the soil from drying. Add some granulated cow manure and compost around the base of the plants during the winter.
You should prune your Laurocerasus hedge twice a year to maintain its beautiful appearance. Be sure not to overgrow the hedge. The first pruning should take place in April. Hedges should be pruned so that the base of the hedge is a little wider. If you prefer straight cuts, tie a rope at two ends of the hedge and use it to guide your trimming. In mid-June, you should give it another trim.
Advantages Of Planting Prunus
- Adaptable to many types of soil
- Leaves with a glossy finish
- Maintains evergreen color throughout the year
- Growth is rapid
- Hardy
- A fairly low-maintenance plant
- It can reach a height of 5 meters
Closing Words
These shrubs need less maintenance. They are very easy to grow, so you should consider including them in your indoor or outdoor garden. You can buy these plants from some reputed plant suppliers either online or offline. Plant this shrub in your garden and make it look more beautiful.