Maintenance Landscaping Design

Prunus otto luyken is a small deciduous tree that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. The tree is known for its columnar growth habit and its fragrant, white flowers. Prunus otto luyken is a popular ornamental tree and is often used as a street tree or in public parks.

Also known as

• Cherry laurel
  
• English laurel
  
• Otto Luyken cherry laurel
  
• Mountain laurel
  
• Sour cherry

Good to Know

• Prunus otto luyken is a deciduous shrub or small tree.
  
• It is native to Europe and Asia.
  
• It grows to 4-6 m (13-20 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are oval to rounded, 6-12 cm (4-7 in) long and 3-8 cm (2-1 in) broad.
  
• The flowers are white, 5-7 cm (2-3 in) diameter, with five petals.
  
• The fruit is a dark blue drupe, 6-8 mm (0.24-0.31 in) diameter.
  
• The tree is named after German botanist Otto Luyken.
  
• It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  
• It is also used as a bonsai subject.
  
• It is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot and canker.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

How to Grow

1. For prunus otto luyken, first step is to find a good location. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
   
2. The soil should be well-drained and fertile.
   
3. Add organic matter to the soil before planting.
   
4. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
5. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
6. Water the plant deeply and apply a layer of mulch around the base.
   
7. Prunus otto luyken will need to be pruned annually to keep it healthy and to encourage flowering.
   
8. It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.
   
9. It is moderately drought tolerant once established.
   
10. It is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.

Related plant:
Prunus Cerasifera

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the Prunus Otto Luyken is not too picky and will do just fine in average to poor soil that is well-drained. This tough little plant is also quite tolerant of drought and will even do well in very dry, sandy soil as long as it is given some supplemental water during extended periods of drought.

Light requirement

Not too different with other members of the Prunus genus, the Otto Luyken cherry laurel (Prunus otto Luyken) requires full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It is a fairly low-maintenance plant, however, and once it is established, it can tolerate some shade. This tough plant is also drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for dry areas.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Prunus otto luyken is ideal for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including clay soils. The Prunus otto luyken is a slow-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet and a width of 4 to 8 feet.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% - 60%. They can tolerate lower humidity levels but may experience some leaf drop. If the humidity levels are too high, they may experience leaf drop and root rot.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant requires more nitrogen during the growing season. For the root, it is important to keep the root ball moist but not too wet. The roots need oxygen to function properly, so make sure the plant has good drainage.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for your Otto Luyken plant. Pruning helps to promote new growth, and also helps to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems. Also, trim back any branches that are growing out of control.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off. Cuttings should be taken from the upper third of the plant. A rooting hormone can be used to encourage rooting, but is not necessary. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not wet. They can be placed in a propagator or covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the amount of available sunlight. In shady areas, they may only grow a few inches per year. Full sun areas can see up to 12 inches of growth in a year. Other considerations for growth rate are soil type and whether the plant is in a container or in the ground.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and black knot. Root rot is a serious problem because it can kill the plant. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to drop off. Black knot is a disease that can cause the plant to produce black knots on the stems.

Tips on Growing

• If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's best to plant your Prunus otto luyken in spring or early summer.
  
• Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun. Otto luyken cherries need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
  
• Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds and loosening the soil.
  
• Dig a hole that's twice as wide as the root ball of your plant.
  
• Place your plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  
• Firmly press the soil around the base of the plant.
  
• Water your Prunus otto luyken immediately after planting.
  
• Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  
• Water your cherry tree regularly during the first growing season.
  
• Fertilize your Otto luyken cherry tree in early

Substitution

• Prunus padus is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae.
  
• Prunus dulcis, formally known as Amygdalus communis, almond, is a species of flowering tree native to the Middle East and South Asia.
  
• Prunus pumila, known as dwarf bush cherry, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae, native to North America.
  
• Prunus rivularis, known as chokecherry or bitter-bush, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family.
  
• Prunus africana is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, native to sub-Saharan Africa.
  
• Prunus rubella is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, native to Georgia and Azerbaijan.
  
• Prunus triloba is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae

Source:
Cherrylaurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken')
Prunus virginiana habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …
ANR Repository - ucanr.edu