The evergreen cherry laurel has the botanical name Prunus laurocerasus and is one of the extremely vigorous woody plants that quickly grow into dense hedges. Therefore, the plant is mainly planted as a privacy screen and to delimit properties. However, the speed of growth is not the same for all varieties and can vary greatly. However, growth can be accelerated if necessary.
Growth rate
The growth of cherry laurels is closely related to the variety and can vary greatly. In general, the plants are extremely vigorous. In the trade, especially those varieties are offered which have a particularly fast growth rate. The reason for this is the purpose of the plants, these have been used for a long time as boundaries and privacy hedges for gardens. That is why the strong and high-growing varieties are specially bred. However, the cherry laurel not only extends to the sky, the wood also grows vigorously in width. Therefore, growth in all directions must be considered when choosing a location. If the property is large, it can be surrounded by a hedge of cherry laurels in a timely manner. In spacious locations, the enormous driving force of the plants does not pose a serious problem.
- The speed of growth depends on the variety
- Site conditions also influence growth
- Grow an average of 25 to 50 cm in height per year
- In width, it grows up to 35 cm annually
- Form evergreen privacy screens within a few years
- Adapt the selected variety to the existing conditions
- Keep enough distance to other plants when planting
- Do not settle too close to buildings and fences
Note: In small gardens with limited space, the strong growth can soon lead to space problems. In addition, this also pressures the neighboring plants.
Variety of varieties
Due to the great popularity of cherry laurels, there are now many in specialist shops to obtain different cultivars, with which also special requirements for the location are covered will. Each of the varieties has its own very special growth, the differences are particularly noticeable in the respective speed and visual appearance.
Angustifolia
- Portuguese cherry laurel
- Grows about 3.50 m high
- Gains 20 to 40 cm per year
- Medium-strong budding
- Spread is 1.20 to 1.50 m
- Forms small and very dense leaves
Caucasica
- Narrow-leaved cherry laurel
- Can grow to over 5 m
- Grows at least 25 to 50 cm per year
- Under ideal conditions, annual growth of 50 to 70 cm
- Very strong budding
- Spread is 80 to 120 cm
- Forms narrow and pointed leaves
Etna
- Forms broad and thick leaves, slightly bronze in color
- Grows about 2 m high
- Annual growth is 10 to 30 cm
- Medium-strong budding
- Width is approx. 1.50 to 2 m
- Extremely tough
Mount Vernon
- One of the smallest varieties of cherry laurel
- Grows only 35 cm in total
- Used as a ground cover, extremely hardy
- In the early years, growth of 10 to 15 cm
- Very weak shoots
- Growth width of up to 100 cm possible
- Dark green and shiny leaves, grow densely branched
Novita
- Can grow to over 5 m
- Grows 50 to 70 cm per year
- Extremely strong budding
- Spread is up to 2 m
- Dark green and broad leaves
Otto Luyken
- Broad-growing cherry laurel
- Grows a maximum of 1.20 m in height
- In the early years growth of 10 to 20 cm
- Medium-strong budding
- Spread of up to 2.50 m
- Medium green leaves, slender and small
Rotundifolia
- Large-leaved cherry laurel
- Can grow to over 5 m
- Grows about 55 to 65 cm per year in good conditions
- Strong budding
- Growth width of up to 2.00 m
- Broad and round leaves
Accelerate growth
In order for the cherry laurel to have enough space for good and rapid growth, a sufficient distance to buildings, other plants and paths must be planned when planting the wood. If the plant is too crowded, the growth will decrease. If you want to reach the desired hedge with a sufficient privacy screen in a timely manner, you should invest in young plants of a considerable size when planting. Smaller specimens are much cheaper, but larger young plants achieve the required effect much faster. In addition, there are various other measures that can be used to
- Cut out flowers to support shoot growth
- Fertilizers improve growth
- The use of long-term nitrogenous fertilizers is ideal
- Use liquid fertilizer in between
- Fertilize more at the beginning of the growing season
- Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions with regard to quantity and time
- Increase soil quality for improved vigor
- Ventilate the soil well to encourage root activity
- Loosen up the soil every now and then with a cultivator
Tip: Although the cherry laurel is dependent on fertilizers for growth, their use should not be excessive. Too much nitrogen makes the hedge plants more susceptible to disease and freezing temperatures.
Cut
Due to the lush growth, the small cherry laurels can be turned into a handsome hedge in just a few years. Since the leaves and shoots of the trees grow close together, these outsiders do not allow any view into the garden. Therefore, the plant is ideal for creating a hedge as a privacy screen. Since the wood tends to grow excessively depending on the variety, cutting is one of the necessary care measures. In this way, the visual appearance benefits and the hedge looks much more neat and tidy. By pruning, the cherry laurel hedge not only gets a beautiful shape, it can also sustainably accelerate growth. Usually pruning is done in both spring and autumn. However, if the cherry laurel grows too wide, it can be cut back to shape it if necessary.
- Carry out pruning in March and October
- Make the first cut after planting
- Use only sharp and clean cutting tools
- Disinfect the scissors sufficiently beforehand
- Electric hedge trimmers are ideal for easy cutting
- Adapt shape and height to the location
- Cut back wild shoots in between
