Cherry Laurel

One of the most popular choices for hedging is Cherry Laurel or Common Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), often because is of its versatility:

  • it is evergreen
  • quick growing
  • tolerates shade
  • doesn't attract pests
  • is readily available
  • easy to maintain
  • grows into a dense hedge.
Cherry Laurel gets its name from the distinctive red fruits which appear in summer and look like cherries. Beware that the berries and the rest of the plant are toxic, and so are probably not suitable for households with dogs that may try and chew. Cherry Laurel are useful to screen neighbours or unsightly buildings because over time they can grow up to 40 feet. A single row of accurately spaced plants is often suitable for most gardens, however, if a quick impenetrable cover is required then a double row of hedge may be more suitable.


Laurel Planting

Winter is a good time for planting because laurel can be bought bare rooted or root balled in a variety of sizes. The larger the size, the more expensive the plant.
  • If you are planting a laurel, make sure that the ground is well prepared with organic matter such as compost.
  • It is important that the laurels are planted with the correct distances between them (in a single row 13 inches, and in a double row 16 inches). 
  • In their first few years, laurels need TLC, especially if they are underneath trees. Water and feed regularly.
  • If one of the plants fail it is easy to get a replacement.

If you are interested in laurel bushes for your garden then please get in contact with your measurements, and we will reply with a quote. We also offer planting and management schemes, as well as hedge cutting and trimming.


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