Cherry laurel: description of the plant
In nature, it is found in the Balkans, as well as in the Middle East. It came to our country from the Caucasus, Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula.
An evergreen and perennial garden shrub with a spreading form and shiny leaves reminiscent of laurels, the inflorescences resemble the flowers of fruit trees – hence the name cherry laurel.
Cherry laurel in the garden is a very decorative and multifunctional plant, ideal as a hedge plant. There are many types of eastern cherry laurel, although not all of them are hardy enough to grow in our climate. It can be grown as a shrub or as a tree, which will attract attention with its spreading crown, is an evergreen plant, which means that the leaves retain their intense color all year round.
It blooms at the turn of April and May. During this time, the plant is literally covered with fragrant white flowers, collected in hard clusters. In midsummer, they turn into fruits, which are also a decorative element of the garden.
Please note! Oriental cherry laurel is a plant poisonous to humans. Its leaves are rich in hydrocyanic acid derivatives, so their consumption can have a negative impact on health and even be life-threatening.
Cherry laurel care
The plant has very specific requirements for cultivation. First of all, it needs fertile, nutrient-rich soil. It should be sandy and loamy, porous, rich in calcium, with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction.
The location of the laurel should be quiet, protected from the wind, semi-shaded or even shaded. Cherry laurel grows well in gardens and urban areas, as it is resistant to air pollution. Many varieties are frost-resistant, but if the bush freezes a little, it will certainly grow back in the spring with thicker branches.
The cherry laurel bush requires proper care – from watering to covering for the winter. It loves moisture, so it should be watered regularly, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out. To prevent the soil from drying out, you can use mulching.
Planting begins in late autumn or early spring (from October to March inclusive), when the plant is in a dormant phase. It can also be planted in groups. For a hedge, it should be planted at a distance of 50 cm from each other, since it grows quickly and lushly. With an optimally chosen location and soil, a cherry laurel hedge can grow up to 30-60 cm per year. The growth rate and height also depend on the variety (some grow up to 4 m).
It is worth fertilizing laurel cherry with compost – the product provides the soil with many micro- and macroelements, as a result, plant growth improves. At the same time, it does not have a negative impact on the natural environment. and there is no risk of overfertilizing the bush.
You can also take mineral fertilizers with various compounds, such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium or calcium. However, in this case, you need to be careful not to overdo it with the amount of nutrients supplied to the plant. Otherwise, you will get the opposite effect than expected and harm the plant.
How to fertilize cherry laurel? Compost gives the best results in the fall and early spring, although it can be used almost throughout the season. Artificial fertilizers should be used according to the instructions on the package.
Laurel cherry for a hedge: how to plant?
Mainly used to create hedges, some varieties are planted in the garden as single specimens or create interesting compositions in pots. Cherry laurel hedge is fast-growing and evergreen.
Additional information! With regular pruning, properly selected varieties become dwarf and denser. These bushes do not like the sun, so they should be placed in partial shade, but also protected from the wind (plants of exotic origin do not tolerate drafts well). Permeable, constantly moist soil will ensure proper growth of the bush.
It is worth protecting the roots for the winter – young specimens are especially sensitive to frost. Older ones do not require shelter, at least because of their excellent recovery.
How to propagate cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel can be propagated vegetatively from semi-woody stem cuttings without any particular problems. The best time to obtain them is July and August.
For best results, you can use a rooting agent and place them in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Keep the container in a warm and shady, but ventilated place. The plant takes root very quickly.
When to prune cherry laurel?
Pruning can be done several times a year – preferably in spring and autumn to influence branching and thickening. It is very amenable to shaping and tolerates pruning very well. It can be given any shape, depending on the desired effect. First, get rid of dry, old, tangled and damaged shoots, then begin to give the desired shape.
During the period after flowering, the plant can be pruned to take cuttings that will be used to propagate cherry laurel.
How does cherry laurel bloom?
When in bloom, the cherry laurel becomes extremely decorative. Its intense aroma attracts many insects, including bees and butterflies.
The flowering period of the cherry laurel is relatively short, but extremely impressive. The flowering is quite abundant – almost the entire bush is covered with delicate flowers, the length of which can reach 20 cm. White tall inflorescences filled with five-petal flowers. This feature makes this plant popular in garden plots, parks and green areas. The dominant white color contrasts beautifully with the dark green leaves. After flowering, the bush is covered with rare, black fruits in the form of small balls.
Weather conditions and local microclimate can affect the exact date of flowering. In warmer regions, cherry trees may bloom a little earlier, while in colder parts of the country, the flowering date may be delayed by a few days. Regular watering and moderate fertilization can also help speed up the appearance of flowers.
Laurel cherry is also relatively disease resistant, meaning that its flowering period usually passes without any major problems.
Why doesn’t the cherry laurel blossom?
Does every laurel cherry blossom? No, some varieties do not. It is also worth noting that its deficiency is often caused by improper growing conditions or poorly performed care procedures. It should also be remembered that the plant has low resistance to adverse weather conditions.
Please note! In order for the cherry laurel to bloom, it needs the appropriate position. This plant grows best in places with moderate sunlight, where it is protected from direct sunlight. The ideal place would be where there is light partial shade.
The plant prefers fertile and well-drained soil, and regular watering during dry periods is essential for its health and beautiful flowers. It is also a good idea to remember to prune the bush after flowering, which promotes healthy growth and improves the effectiveness of the next flowering cycle. In low temperatures, flower buds freeze quickly.
Lack of flowering can also be due to improper pruning. Pruning at the wrong time or removing too many branches can limit its flowering.
What diseases and pests affect cherry laurel?
Laurel cherry is a shrub that is quite resistant to diseases. Most often, it is affected by powdery mildew, which causes a whitish coating and unsightly spots to appear on the leaves. To eliminate it, spray with an appropriate fungicide and remove the infected branches. As a result of too intensive watering, the roots of the plant may begin to rot, so laurel cherry should be watered regularly but carefully.
Cherry laurel winter hardiness
How to protect laurel cherry from frost? Young plants are especially sensitive to frost, so before the frost sets in they should be covered with white agrotextile.
It is important to note that the plant should not be completely covered, but only slightly, as it also needs light in the winter. In winter, the cherry laurel is subject to physiological drought, so before the onset of frost, it should be watered abundantly. Also provide a fairly thick layer of mulch on the substrate. A frozen laurel tree usually recovers, gradually putting out fresh shoots.
This plant is an excellent choice for both experienced and amateur gardeners. Thanks to it, every garden can acquire an elegant appearance without the need for laborious care. Cherry laurel is not difficult to grow and can forgive many mistakes when growing.
