Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel)

Cherry Laurel – Prunus laurocerasus: An In-depth Look

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as Cherry Laurel or English Laurel, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). Native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, it is widely cultivated for its dense, glossy foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and tolerance to various growing conditions. Ideal for hedging, screening, and ornamental purposes, Cherry Laurel is valued for its ability to thrive in diverse landscapes, from urban gardens to woodlands.

Despite its common name, Cherry Laurel is not a true laurel like Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Instead, it belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is part of the genus Prunus, which also includes popular fruit trees such as apricots, cherries, peaches, and almonds.

Native Range

Cherry Laurel is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, spanning regions from Albania and Bulgaria to Turkey and the Caucasus Mountains. It has since been widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Plant Type and Habit

This broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree has a dense, rounded, and spreading growth habit. It is commonly used as a privacy hedge, windbreak, or foundation planting due to its ability to grow quickly and form a thick, impenetrable screen.

Size

Cherry Laurel grows 15-30 feet tall and wide (4.5 to 9 meters), depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. It has a fast growth, adding 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) per year in optimum conditions.

Lifespan

This flowering shrub can live 30-50 years in optimal conditions.

Flowers

In spring, Cherry Laurel produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers arranged in upright racemes (clusters) that can reach 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. Rich with a strong plum fragrance, the flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Fruits

After flowering, small, round, cherry-like drupes emerge in late summer, transitioning from red to deep purple-black when ripe in fall. While attractive and enjoyed by birds, both the seeds and fruits contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested in significant quantities.

Foliage

Cherry Laurel features broad, leathery, dark green leaves that remain evergreen year-round. The leaves are glossy, oblong, and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. When crushed, they release an almond-like fragrance due to cyanogenic compounds.

Bark

The bark is smooth and dark brown when young, gradually developing a rough texture with age.

Hardiness

Cherry Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, tolerating a wide range of climatic conditions but preferring moderate temperatures.

Uses

• Ornamental: A striking evergreen shrub for year-round interest.
• Hedging: Forms dense, evergreen privacy screens and windbreaks.
• Wildlife Support: Flowers attract pollinators, and fruits provide food for birds.
• Companion Planting: Complements azaleas, rhododendrons, and ferns in shaded gardens.
• Coastal and Urban Gardens: Tolerates wind and pollution.
• Woodland and Naturalized Areas: Blends seamlessly into wild landscapes.
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Wildlife Value

The flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the fruits are a food source for birds. Cherry Laurel is a larval host plant to Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

Drought and Salt Tolerance

Cherry Laurel is moderately drought-tolerant once established. While it thrives with regular watering, mature plants can withstand short periods of drought. However, prolonged dry spells may lead to leaf scorch or reduced vigor, so occasional deep watering is beneficial during extended drought conditions.

This evergreen shrub also exhibits some salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal gardens. It can handle light salt exposure from sea breezes but may struggle with direct salt spray or highly saline soils. If planting near the coast, provide protection from harsh winds and rinse off accumulated salt deposits after storms to prevent leaf damage.

Toxicity

Cherry Laurel is highly toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. The leaves, seeds, and stems contain cyanogenic glycoside (amygdalin), particularly dangerous during wilting. Ingestion can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, respiratory failure, coma, and shock. Contact dermatitis does not occur. Extreme caution is advised. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you

Deer and Rabbit

Cherry Laurel is moderately resistant to deer and rabbits.

Invasiveness: In some regions, particularly in the U.S., it is considered invasive and can displace native vegetation. Find where Cherry Laurel is invasive in the U.S.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Cherry Laurel

Benefits

• Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round greenery, making it an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, and ornamental plantings.
• Fast Growth: Cherry Laurel is a vigorous grower, quickly forming dense hedges and windbreaks.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded landscapes where other shrubs struggle.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Salt Tolerant: Can handle moderate coastal conditions, making it a viable option for gardens near the ocean.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds.
• Noise and Pollution Barrier: Its dense growth helps buffer noise and trap airborne pollutants in urban settings.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning to maintain shape.

Drawbacks

• Toxicity: All parts of the plant, including leaves and berries, contain cyanogenic compounds that are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
• Invasiveness: Cherry Laurel can spread aggressively, outcompeting native vegetation in some areas.
• Susceptible to Pests and Diseases: Can be affected by shot-hole disease, powdery mildew, and root rot, especially in poorly drained soils.
• Frequent Pruning Needed: Its rapid growth requires regular trimming to keep hedges neat and prevent overgrowth.
• Unpleasant Fragrance: The flowers, while attractive, have a strong almond-like scent that some people find overwhelming.
• Messy Fruits: The berries can drop and create litter, potentially staining walkways and patios.

How to Grow and Care for Cherry Laurel

Planting

• Location: Prefers full sun to partial shade but tolerates heavy shade. More sunlight encourages denser foliage and better flowering. However, these shrubs benefit from increased shade in warmer regions.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. This plant is tolerant of alkaline soils, dry and poor soils.
• Planting Time: Ideal planting times are early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) apart when planting for a hedge, allowing room for growth and air circulation.
• Hole Preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Ensure the plant is level with the ground when placed.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering

• Young Plants: Keep the soil consistently moist for the first year to help establish a strong root system.
• Established Plants: Drought-tolerant once mature, but occasional deep watering during dry spells improves health.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, which can be an issue in heavy soils.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring to promote healthy growth.
• In poor soils, a second feeding in mid-summer can encourage lush foliage.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to overly rapid growth that requires frequent pruning.

Pruning

• Maintenance Pruning: Trim lightly throughout the growing season to maintain shape and density.
• Hard Pruning: If needed, cut back severely in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
• Removing Dead or Diseased Growth: Regularly check for and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to improve air circulation.

Winter Care

• Cherry Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 but may suffer leaf burn in harsh winters.
• Mulch around the base to insulate roots and retain moisture.
• For potted plants, move them to a sheltered area if temperatures drop significantly.

Container Growing

• Pot Selection: Use a large container with drainage holes to accommodate root growth.
• Soil: Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, as container plants dry out faster.
• Pruning: Trim as needed to maintain size and encourage bushy growth.
• Winter Protection: Move potted plants to a sheltered location during extreme cold.

Pest and Disease Problems of Cherry Laurel

Common Pests

Cherry Laurel is generally resilient but can be affected by several pests that may weaken the plant and impact its appearance. Regular monitoring and proper care can help prevent severe infestations.

• Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth, causing curling and yellowing of leaves. They secrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold. Control them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Scale insects: Hard-shelled pests that attach to stems and leaves, weakening the plant. Scrape off manually or treat with horticultural oil.
• Whiteflies: Tiny white insects that feed on the sap, causing leaf yellowing and weakening the plant. Use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
• Lacebugs: These pests create stippling or bleached-looking leaves by sucking sap from the undersides. Control with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Leafminers: Larvae that tunnel through leaves, causing visible trails. Remove affected leaves and apply neem oil to deter further damage.
• Spider mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling and webbing on leaves, especially in dry conditions. Rinse leaves with water or apply miticides.
• Vine Weevils: Larvae feed on roots, while adults chew irregular notches on leaf edges. Control with nematodes or insecticides.

Common Diseases

Cherry Laurel is susceptible to a few fungal and bacterial diseases, particularly in humid or poorly drained conditions. Good air circulation and proper watering practices can help prevent issues.

• Powdery mildew: A white, powdery fungal growth on leaves, often in humid conditions. Improve airflow, reduce overhead watering, and apply fungicides if severe.
• Root rot: Caused by overly wet soil, leading to yellowing leaves and plant decline. Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
• Sooty mold: A black fungal coating on leaves, often caused by honeydew from aphids or whiteflies. Control the insect pests to prevent mold buildup.
• Leaf spot: Fungal infections such as Phyllosticta or Cercospora cause brown or black spots on leaves, leading to premature leaf drop. Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed.
• Fire blight: A bacterial infection causing blackened, shriveled branches and leaves. Prune infected parts and disinfect pruning tools to prevent spread.

Preventative Measures

• Proper Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants for good air circulation.
• Regular Pruning: Remove dead or diseased foliage to prevent fungal spread.
• Well-Draining Soil: Avoid waterlogged conditions to reduce root rot risk.
• Avoid Overhead Watering: Water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent fungal infections.
• Encourage Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs and lacewings help control aphid populations naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Laurel

What are the ideal growing conditions for Cherry Laurel?

Cherry Laurel thrives in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH. It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is highly adaptable and can withstand urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.

How often should I water Cherry Laurel?

Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Newly planted specimens require consistent moisture to establish strong roots, while mature plants are drought-tolerant. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and avoid excessive watering, as overly wet conditions can lead to fungal diseases.

What is the growth rate of Cherry Laurel?

Cherry Laurel is a fast-growing shrub, typically adding 30 to 60 centimeters of growth per year. Under optimal conditions, it can quickly reach heights of 15-30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters). Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages denser foliage, making it an ideal plant for hedging and privacy screens.

How do I prune Cherry Laurel?

Prune annually after flowering to control shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased branches. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease spread. For formal hedges, trim lightly in late spring or early summer. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as it may encourage new growth susceptible to winter damage.

Is Cherry Laurel toxic?

Yes, Cherry Laurel contains cyanogenic compounds, making its leaves, seeds, and stems toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, dizziness, and respiratory distress. Keep the plant out of reach of children and animals, and wear gloves when handling pruned branches.

Can Cherry Laurel become invasive?

Yes, Cherry Laurel can be invasive in certain environments, particularly in woodland areas where it spreads aggressively and outcompetes native vegetation. Birds disperse its seeds, leading to unwanted growth. In some regions, it is classified as a problematic species, requiring careful management to prevent excessive spreading.

What pests and diseases affect Cherry Laurel?

Common issues include leaf spot diseases, root rot, powdery mildew, and pests such as vine weevils, aphids, and scale insects. Regular inspection, proper air circulation, and well-draining soil help prevent most problems. If necessary, treat affected plants with horticultural oil, neem oil, or appropriate fungicides.

How do I restore a stressed Cherry Laurel?

To revive a stressed Cherry Laurel, check for proper watering, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer to boost growth. Prune any damaged or diseased branches and improve soil conditions by adding organic matter if needed. Monitor for pests and treat accordingly.