Pot Grown Cherry Laurel
(Prunus Laurocerasus Rotundifolia)

Though mainly known for their rich and stunning green foliage, the Cherry Laurel hedging also showcases intricate creamy-white flowers within the spring, which are then followed by red berries to make it look festive in the winter- making it an amazing decorative addition to any size of garden. As the berries are seen as a great welcomed source of food, the Cherry Laurel encourages many birds to your garden, as well as the lovely flowers providing an opportunity to attract bees.

Please note, all parts of the Cherry Laurel (including leaves/berries) are toxic to both humans and animals when consumed. Though the plant does not hold much attraction to pets/children, it is particularly advised to avoid planting near livestock. If you are concerned about your pets and children, it is best to choose Bay Laurel (the only non-toxic Laurel).

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia,' is ideal to reduce noise and wind, as well as being perfect to use as a privacy screen. The plant has a seemingly fast growth rate, looking at around 30-60cm per year, and can even be grown to 20/30ft high (though it is easier to maintain at a lower height). That in mind, Laurel hedging does tend to do better as a standalone hedge- but you can plant with other Laurel varieties if you are looking to create a mixed hedge. Although, this plant tends to have a slight spreading habit, which can easily fill any surrounding space of its original planting space (which means there is generally no need to rely on other plants to fill it).

The Cherry Laurel grows well in pretty much every condition, including dry sites or heavily shaded areas (although coastal gardens and alkaline soil is not very suitable), making it the perfect plant for any problem areas within your garden- whether that's parts of the garden with very little sunlight, or just with poor soil. It is also important to consider that it is not recommended to plant the Cherry Laurel next to livestock, as the leaves and berries can both be harmful to animals.

• Growth rate: Average-Fast (30-60cm a year)
• Ideal height: 1.5m - 5m high
• Soil Type: Normal, dry
• Exposure: Exposed, inland
• Aspect: Sun, full shade
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily keep the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

It is highly important to prune at the right time, so that you do not remove any growing shoots.

Should you feel the need to hard-prune your Laurel, then March is the recommended time to do so. Any established plants that have become rather woody can also be taken down to ground level to enable them to come back looking new and fresh. In terms of general hedge trimming, this can be done twice a year at most (once in June and then again later in September).

However, you can always leave your Cherry Laurel to develop and establish in its own way without pruning, as the amazing thick and glossy leaves can begin to look a bit shabby if it is pruned too regularly.

1. Prepare the soil by mixing in some compost. Dig the hole- this will have to be about twice the width of the root system, but the same depth.
2. Remove the plant from its pot by placing one hand on the base of the plant, and the other at the bottom of the pot. Wriggle the pot away gently.
3. Untangle the roots a little as they may be clumped together.
4. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil. Follow this with backfilling the hole with your soil mix, and patting down to lightly secure.
5. When you're done, thoroughly water the plant. Ensure you regularly water throughout its first year, as the plant needs plenty to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.