An evergreen hedge as a natural border looks much more harmonious in the garden than a high privacy fence or a wall. The fast-growing cherry laurel is particularly popular for enclosing larger gardens because it is not very picky about the location and thrives well even in the shade. You can find out how to properly care for the robust shrub in this article.
How do I properly care for my cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel care includes regular watering in dry periods, fertilizing with compost from the second year onwards, vigorous pruning in spring and protective measures in winter. Also pay attention to pests and diseases to maintain a he althy plant.
How much water does the laurel cherry need?
In dry summers, you must water the cherry laurel regularly so that the foliage retains its strong green color and does not fall off. However, the laurel cherry does not like wet feet and waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. Always flood the tree when the soil feels dry at the top. Unlike deciduous trees, the evergreen shrub needs water even in dry winters, as a lot of moisture evaporates from the large leaves when the sun shines. Therefore, do not forget to water the cherry laurel if necessary as soon as the frost subsides.
How to fertilize?
When planting, mix the soil with compost, manure or horn shavings to provide the tree with sufficient nutrients in the first year. From the second year onwards, the first fertilizer is applied in spring. If necessary, you can fertilize the laurel cherry again with compost in early summer. From August onwards, fertilization is no longer allowed so that the branches mature and do not freeze back in the winter months.
When can a cherry laurel be planted or moved?
The best planting time for the laurel cherry is spring and late summer until around the beginning of September. If you would like to move the wood, these periods are also ideal.
How to cut the bush?
Cut back the cherry laurel heavily in spring so that the fast-growing shrub grows strong and dense in the new season. You can trim hedges to shape in May or June. If necessary, you can blend them again at the beginning of August at the latest.
Is the cherry laurel winter-proof?
Almost all varieties of laurel cherry are hardy. It is recommended to mulch the root area with leaves or pine branches. This protective layer of plant material improves soil quality.the soil remains moist and warms up more quickly in spring due to the work of soil organisms.
What pests can attack the shrub?
The laurel cherry is very robust; pest infestations are often due to poor growing conditions. Occasionally the plant is attacked by aphids, scale insects or mealy bugs. The infestation can be easily contained using ecological means or an insecticide.
Is the laurel cherry susceptible to disease?
If the location is chosen correctly, the cherry laurel is less susceptible to disease. Occasionally the shrub is attacked by shotgun disease and powdery mildew. In addition to pruning and effective home remedies, you can treat these diseases with fungicides.
Tips & Tricks
During the blossoms, many ants can often be found on the laurel cherry. The small crawling creatures feed on the sweet nectar that emerges from the nectar glands on the underside of the leaves. They do not damage the wood, but on the contrary keep vermin at bay.
