Cherry laurel shrub is an evergreen plant that is often used as a hedge or privacy screen. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and is covered in small, glossy leaves. The flowers are white and appear in the spring. The cherries that give the plant its name are poisonous, but birds love them.
Related plant:
Chokecherry Bush
Related plant:
Cherry Explosion Hydrangea
About soil , cherry laurel shrub prefers humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil, acid to neutral pH. It will not grow in standing water. So, make sure the site you choose has good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with organic matter before planting.
Like the other Laurels, Cherry Laurels (Prunus laurocerasus) require full sun to partial shade to thrive. The ideal location for a Cherry Laurel is an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, its best to provide some afternoon shade to protect the leaves from scorching.
The temperature condition that is best for a cherry laurel shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub prefers a shady location and will do well in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. It is also important to make sure that the soil is well-drained and not too wet.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. This plant cannot tolerate low humidity for a long period of time. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves of the plant will turn brown and fall off.
Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant responds best to a light hand. If you feel the need to fertilize, choose a low-nitrogen variety and apply it sparingly, no more than once a year. Too much fertilizer will result in a weaker root system and an excess of leaves.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your cherry laurel shrub. Pruning helps to promote new growth, encourage bushy growth, and keep your shrub looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can prune your cherry laurel shrub in early spring or late winter.
Propagation is usually through semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Place the cuttings in a propagator or seal a clear plastic bag around the pot. Rooting hormone isn't essential but may help. Water the pot well and place it in a light, warm spot out of direct sunlight. New roots should appear within a few weeks. Once they have, pot up the cuttings and grow them on in light shade for their first winter. Harden off the plants in late spring and plant them out after the last frosts.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. They can grow anywhere from 6 to 24 inches per year, although some species may only grow about 6 inches per year. Some may even produce fruit within the first year or two of growth. The shrubs typically reach their full mature size within three to five years.
Common problems for this kind of plant are dieback, root rot, and foliar blight. Dieback is the gradual dying of the leaves and branches of the plant, starting from the tips. Root rot is a condition caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to decay. Foliar blight is a condition that causes the leaves of the plant to turn brown and die.
Source:
Cherry Laurel - Prunus laurocerasus - PNW Plants
Carolina Cherry Laurel | North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Louisiana Plant ID | Prunus caroliniana (cherrylaurel) - LSU
