Otto luyken cherry laurel is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. This plant is grown for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Otto luyken cherry laurel is a popular landscaping plant in the southern United States. This plant is tolerant of heat and drought and can be used as a hedge or foundation plant.
Related plant:
Prunus Otto Luyken
Related plant:
Cottonwood Tree
About soil condition, Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel does best in moist to average, well-drained soils. It will tolerate some drought once established, but does best with consistent moisture. It does not like soggy soils and will develop root rot problems if the roots are constantly wet. Poor drainage is the number one killer of this plant. It is important to plant Otto Luyken on a mound or slightly raised bed to ensure good drainage.
So, like the other Laurels, Otto Luyken Cherry Laurels need full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. They can tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but in hotter areas they will need some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. If you live in an area with very hot summers, its best to plant your Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
The temperature conditions that are ideal for Otto Luyken cherry laurel are those that are warm and humid. This plant does not like to be in direct sunlight, so it is best to keep it in a location that is sheltered from the sun.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the relative humidity is too high, the leaves will develop brown spots. If the relative humidity is too low, the leaves will develop white spots.
Discussing fertilizer, this plant does best with organic matter incorporated into the soil before planting. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The roots are fine and spread out close to the surface, so be careful not to damage them when cultivating around the plant.
Pruning your Otto Luyken cherry laurel is important to maintain its shape and size. You can prune this bush in late winter or early spring. First, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, thin out the bush by removing any overcrowded or crossed branches. Finally, reduce the length of the remaining branches by one-third.
Propagation of Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and be taken from new growth. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cuttings well and place in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and early summer. However, it can continue to grow throughout the summer if the conditions are right. It is a fast-growing plant, so make sure to keep an eye on it and give it plenty of space to grow.
Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, dieback, and plant stress. Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken, dark spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Dieback is a condition where the leaves and branches of the plant die back due to lack of water or nutrients. Plant stress can be caused by too much or too little water, poor drainage, insufficient sunlight, or extreme temperatures.
Source:
Cherrylaurel (Prunus laurocerasus `Otto Luyken') - Virginia Tech
Otto Luyken English laurel - Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'
(PDF) Selection of native cherrylaurel ... | Ali Islam - Academia.edu
