How to Grow Prunus Laurocerasus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Prunus laurocerasus is an evergreen plant that is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. The plant has dark green, glossy leaves and white flowers. It is commonly used as a hedge or privacy screen.

How to Grow Prunus Laurocerasus - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Cherry Laurel
  • English Laurel
  • Indian Laurel
  • Maine Laurel
  • Mountain Laurel

Common Knowledge

  • Prunus laurocerasus, also known as cherry laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to southeastern Europe and southwest Asia.
  • Cherry laurel can grow to 15m tall and has glossy, dark green leaves.
  • White or pale pink flowers appear in spring and are followed by small, black fruits.
  • The leaves and fruits of cherry laurel are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
  • Cherry laurel is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
  • The wood of cherry laurel is hard and dense, making it suitable for use in furniture and cabinetry.
  • Cherry laurel has been used medicinally for centuries to treat a variety of ailments including gout and arthritis.
  • The essential oil of cherry laurel is used in perfumes and cosmetics.
  • Cherry laurel is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.
  • Cherry laurel is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is closely related to other members of the genus Prunus, including the cherry (P. avium) and the almond (P. dulcis).

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

Planting Process

  1. For prunus laurocerasus, first step is to obtain a plant that is at least 2-3 years old.
  2. Next, find an area in full sun with well-draining soil.
  3. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
  4. After the hole has been dug, mix some compost or manure into the planting hole.
  5. Carefully remove the plant from the container it is in and place it into the planting hole.
  6. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill with soil and water well.
  7. For the next step, prune the plant so that it has a central leader and 4-6 main branches.
  8. After pruning, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. In the early spring, apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  10. Finally, water the plant regularly and prune as needed to maintain its shape.

Related plant:
Prunus Avium

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is not too fussy about soil type but grows best in a humus-rich loam.

Light requirement

Similar to other members of the Prunus family, the Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) requires full sun to partial sun to thrive. It is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach heights of up to 40 feet and has a spread of up to 20 feet. The Cherry Laurel is a versatile plant that can be used as a specimen tree, hedge, or privacy screen.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for prunus laurocerasus is a temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is best because it is not too hot or too cold. It is also a temperature that is comfortable for humans. Prunus laurocerasus can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. Prunus laurocerasus should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the plant to dry out slightly between waterings. If the leaves of your plant start to droop, this is a sign that it is not getting enough water.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this plant does not have high demands and is content with a little. It is good to use a low nitrogen fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. You can apply a fertilizer again in mid to late summer if desired. Be sure to water the fertilizer in well. For best results, use a root stimulator when planting.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Prunus laurocerasus healthy and looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It is also important to remove any suckers that may be growing from the base of the plant. Depending on the size and shape of your Prunus laurocerasus, you may need to do some basic shaping with pruning as well. When shaping, be sure to make your cuts at a 45 degree angle, and always cut just above a bud.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of prunus laurocerasus is best done through rooting of semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be 15-18 cm (6-7 in) long with a heel if possible and should be cut just below a leaf node. Cuttings should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite and placed under high humidity. A bottom heat source of 21-24°C (70-75°F) is beneficial. Rooting will usually take place within 4-8 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate between 2 to 4 feet per year, with a mature height of between 15 and 25 feet. However, poor growing conditions can stunt the growth of the plant, resulting in a growth rate of less than 2 feet per year. The preferred growing conditions for prunus laurocerasus are moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, aphids, and scale. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can be controlled with a fungicide. Aphids are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled with an insecticide. Scale is a type of insect that sucks the sap from the leaves and can be controlled with an insecticide.

List to Know

  • Remember to keep your prunus laurocerasus plant well watered, especially when it is first transplanted.
  • Prunus laurocerasus plants need full sun to partial shade in order to thrive.
  • It is a good idea to fertilize your prunus laurocerasus plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
  • This species of plant is susceptible to damage from aphids, scale and mealybugs.
  • Prunus laurocerasus plants are generally pest and disease free.
  • This plant can grow quite large, so be sure to give it plenty of room to grow.
  • Prunus laurocerasus plants can be pruned to control their size and shape.
  • These plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but prefer well-drained soil.
  • Prunus laurocer

You May Like

  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Etna' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Nigra' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Caucasica' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus var. Hispidula has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Cherry Laurel' has a similar name.
  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Angustifolia' has a similar name.

Source:
Prunus laurocerasus | Keywords | Elisabeth C. Miller Library
Otto Luyken English laurel - Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'
Prunus laurocerasus: A Study of Reducing Gamete Development …

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