How to Plant Cherry Laurel Hedging
πΏ How to Plant Cherry Laurel Hedging
A Complete Planting Guide from Meredith Nurseries
Buy Cherry Laurel hedging here
Cherry laurel, also known as common laurel, is a popular evergreen hedging plant that creates a dense, attractive green screen throughout the year. With its glossy green leaves and vigorous growth, cherry laurel is an excellent choice for garden boundaries, privacy screening and creating a natural backdrop for your garden.
Whether you’re planting a few shrubs or creating a complete privacy hedge, this guide will help you get your cherry laurel off to the best possible start.
π± 1. Choosing the Right Position
Cherry laurel is a versatile evergreen shrub that grows in a range of garden conditions.
For the best results:
– βοΈ Sun or partial shade: Cherry laurel grows well in sunny and partially shaded positions.
– πΏ Suitable soil: It tolerates a range of soil types, provided the ground drains adequately.
– π§ Moisture: It prefers moist but well-drained soil.
– π‘ Privacy and screening: Ideal for garden boundaries, screening and evergreen hedging.
– π³ Allow room to grow: Cherry laurel can become a large shrub, so consider its mature size when choosing a position.
Avoid areas that remain waterlogged, as poor drainage can cause root problems.
πͺ΄ 2. How to Plant Cherry Laurel from P9 Pots
P9 pots are approximately 9cm wide and contain young plants that are ideal for establishing a new hedge economically.
Step-by-step planting instructions
- π§ Water your cherry laurel thoroughly before planting.
- π Mark out the position of your hedge using a garden line to keep it straight.
- πΏ Remove weeds and grass from the planting area.
- π³οΈ Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and deep enough to accommodate the roots.
- π± Carefully remove the plant from its pot, handling the root ball gently.
- π Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- πΏ Backfill with the original soil, improving it with suitable well-rotted organic matter if needed.
- π€² Gently firm the soil around the roots.
- π§ Water thoroughly to settle the soil and help the roots establish.
For a continuous hedge, plant at regular intervals appropriate to the size of your plants and the density you want to achieve. Smaller P9 plants may take longer to form a full screen.
π³ 3. How to Plant Cherry Laurel from 2-Litre Pots
Cherry laurel supplied in 2-litre pots has a larger root system and is generally more established than plants in P9 pots.
Step-by-step planting instructions
- π§ Water the plant well before removing it from its pot.
- π Mark the planting positions along your proposed hedge line.
- π³οΈ Dig a hole approximately twice the width of the root ball and no deeper than its height.
- πΏ Gently remove the plant from the pot.
- π± Carefully loosen any tightly packed or circling roots if necessary.
- π Place the plant in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the surrounding ground.
- πΏ Backfill with soil and incorporate suitable organic matter where beneficial.
- π€² Firm the soil gently around the plant.
- π§ Water thoroughly after planting.
Two-litre plants can provide a more established appearance from the beginning, although the time required to create a dense hedge depends on plant spacing, growing conditions and aftercare.
π 4. How Far Apart Should You Plant Cherry Laurel?
Correct spacing helps your hedge establish evenly and develop into an attractive screen.
The ideal spacing depends on the size of your plants and how quickly you want the hedge to fill out.
As a general guide:
– π± Smaller P9 plants: Around 3β4 plants per metre may be suitable for a closely planted hedge.
– πΏ Larger 2-litre plants: Around 3 plants per metre is a useful starting point for many hedging projects.
– π³ Larger established plants: Wider spacing may be appropriate, depending on their size and branching.
These figures are general guidelines rather than fixed rules. Check the plant size and growing habit before deciding on the final spacing.
For a straight, professional-looking hedge, use a garden line and measure the gaps carefully before planting.
π§ 5. Watering Your Newly Planted Cherry Laurel
Regular watering is one of the most important parts of establishing a healthy cherry laurel hedge.
During the first growing season:
– π§ Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
– π¦οΈ Check the soil regularly, especially during dry weather.
– π± Water whenever the root zone begins to dry out.
– βοΈ Pay particular attention during warm, sunny or windy conditions.
– π« Avoid leaving roots in waterlogged soil.
Plants in smaller pots may require more frequent attention because their root systems are less developed.
Once established, cherry laurel is relatively resilient, but newly planted hedging should never be allowed to dry out completely.
πΏ 6. Feeding and Mulching Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurel grows well in moderately fertile soil.
To encourage healthy growth:
– π± Add suitable well-rotted garden compost or organic matter when preparing the planting area.
– πΏ Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if the soil needs additional nutrients.
– π Add an organic mulch around the base of the hedge to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
– π§ Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Leave a small gap around the stems when applying mulch to prevent moisture from accumulating directly against the base of the plants.
βοΈ 7. Pruning and Maintaining Your Hedge
Cherry laurel is a vigorous evergreen shrub that responds well to pruning.
For the best results:
– βοΈ Trim your hedge in late spring or early summer when appropriate.
– πΏ Prune regularly to maintain your desired height and shape.
– π Keep the base slightly wider than the top to help sunlight reach the lower foliage.
– π Where possible, use secateurs to trim individual shoots and avoid cutting too many large leaves in half.
– π± Remove dead, damaged or unwanted branches as necessary.
Regular maintenance helps prevent the hedge from becoming too large or difficult to manage.
Remember that cherry laurel can grow into a substantial shrub if left untrimmed, so plan for its mature size.
πΈ 8. When Is the Best Time to Plant Cherry Laurel?
Container-grown cherry laurel can generally be planted throughout much of the year when the soil is workable and conditions are suitable.
Spring and autumn are often particularly convenient because temperatures are milder and the soil may retain moisture more consistently.
Avoid planting in frozen ground, during extreme heat or when the soil is excessively wet.
If planting during summer, make sure you can provide sufficient water while the plants establish.
π« 9. Common Cherry Laurel Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to give your hedge the best chance of success.
β Planting too deeply, which can cause problems around the base of the plant.
β Allowing newly planted roots to dry out.
β Planting in permanently waterlogged ground.
β Spacing plants too far apart when a dense hedge is required.
β Failing to remove weeds and grass that compete for water and nutrients.
β Ignoring the mature height and spread of cherry laurel.
β Neglecting pruning until the hedge becomes too large to manage easily.
A little preparation and regular aftercare can make a significant difference to the long-term health and appearance of your hedge.
πΏ Why Choose Cherry Laurel for Your Garden?
Cherry laurel remains a popular choice for gardeners looking for an attractive, dependable evergreen hedge.
Benefits include:
– πΏ Glossy green foliage throughout the year.
– π‘ Excellent potential for privacy and screening.
– π± Vigorous growth when conditions are suitable.
– βοΈ Tolerance of sun and partial shade.
– π³ Suitability for many garden soil types, provided drainage is adequate.
– βοΈ Good response to regular pruning.
– π Spring flowers that can provide food for pollinating insects.
Please note that cherry laurel leaves, seeds and berries can be harmful if eaten.
π± Shop Cherry Laurel at Meredith Nurseries
Whether you’re planting a new garden boundary, creating a private outdoor space or replacing an existing hedge, cherry laurel is a versatile evergreen option.
With suitable planting, correct spacing and regular watering, your plants can establish into a dense, attractive hedge that provides year-round greenery.
Choose the plant size that suits your garden and enjoy growing your own evergreen screen with Meredith Nurseries.
Meredith Nurseries β Helping You Grow a Beautiful Garden.