The cherry laurel is a popular evergreen plant that is often used to form hedges and green gardens. The cherry laurel is a popular choice for homeowners due to its dense foliage, fast growth and attractive appearance.
The cherry laurel is also known for its dense leaf structure, which provides effective screening. The dark green leaves remain all year round, which means that the hedge provides privacy even in winter. As a result, it can ensure privacy and protect against unwanted glances. In addition, cherry laurel hedges can absorb sound and help reduce noise from outside.
However, it is important to know that the cherry laurel contains toxic components, especially in the leaves and berries. Therefore, children and pets should not be allowed to eat this plant. When handling cherry laurel, it is advisable to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Growth rate
The cherry laurel has a faster growth rate compared to the thuja. While the thuja grows about 15 to 30 centimetres per year, the cherry laurel can reach between 30 and 60 centimetres per year. This faster growth rate allows the cherry laurel to form a dense and opaque hedge more quickly, which is especially beneficial for those who need privacy or protection more quickly.
Varied selection
Variety of selectionIn addition, the cherry laurel has a greater variety of cultivars and variations compared to the thuja. There are different varieties with different leaf shapes, growth forms and colour variations. For example, some varieties have wider leaves, while others have narrower leaves. This allows garden owners to design a hedge according to their individual aesthetic preferences and design needs.
Great smell
The cherry laurel has a wonderful scent. The leaves of the cherry laurel contain essential oils that release a pleasant, aromatic scent when rubbed or in warm weather. This scent is described by many people as refreshing, slightly sweet and sometimes also slightly spicy.
Especially in spring, when the cherry laurel is in flower, its scent intensifies. The white inflorescences give off a sweet, flowery scent that enriches the garden or surroundings.
Planting density of the seedlings
The optimum planting density of cherry laurel depends on various factors, such as the desired function of the hedge, the space available and the specific variety of cherry laurel. In general, it is recommended to plant cherry laurels 50 to 80 centimetres apart to obtain a dense hedge.
If you want a very dense hedge, you can place the plants at a smaller distance of about 30 to 50 centimetres. With this close planting, the plants grow together more quickly and form an impenetrable barrier. However, it is important to remember that the plants have less space to grow and spread, which can lead to possible competition for nutrients and water.
Care
The cherry laurel is a robust plant that is adapted to different soil and climate conditions. It prefers a sunny to semi-shady location and well-drained soil. Once established, it can withstand drought and heat. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the first years of growth. Mulching around the plant can help to retain moisture in the soil.
The cherry laurel is an attractive and low-maintenance plant that is ideal for hedges and for demarcation.
To form a hedge of cherry laurel, regular pruning is necessary. The best time to prune is in late spring or early summer, before the plant forms new shoots. Pruning makes the plants denser and bushier, resulting in a denser hedge. It is important not to prune the plant too much as this can lead to a loss of the lower leaves.
The cherry laurel also needs regular fertilisation to grow healthy and strong. A balanced slow-release fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be applied in spring and summer. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertiliser packaging to avoid over-fertilising.
During the first few years after planting, it is advisable to regularly remove weeds around the cherry laurel and apply a layer of mulch. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
In terms of pest control, the cherry laurel is relatively resistant to most pests and diseases. Occasionally, however, it can be attacked by aphids, spider mites or scale insects. If an infestation occurs, insecticides or natural pest control methods such as neem oil can be used to control the pests.
It is also important to regularly check the condition of the cherry laurel and remove any damaged or dead branches. Removing dead material will improve the health and appearance of the plant.
Annual pruning in late spring or early summer is also necessary to maintain the desired shape and density of the hedge.
In summary, the cherry laurel is a versatile and attractive plant that works well as a hedge plant or as a border around the property. With proper growth and care, it can form a dense and attractive hedge that provides protection and privacy.
