If you prefer a privacy screen on the balcony, the cherry laurel is a nice alternative to coverings made of natural mats or plastic fabrics. Since the cherry laurel does not shed its beautifully colored leaves in winter, the loggia becomes an undisturbed space all year round. We'll tell you how you can cultivate the { tree in a bucket.
What tips are there for cherry laurel on the balcony?
Small varieties such as “Mount Vermon”, “Low ‘n Green” or “Otto Luyken” are suitable for cherry laurel on the balcony. In the pot it needs conventional balcony plant soil, regular watering and occasional pruning. In winter the bucket should be insulated and protected from wind.
Which varieties are suitable?
Since many cherry laurel species grow very quickly and then become too large for the planter, you should look for smaller varieties in stores. For example, “Mount Vermon”, “Low ‘n Green” or “Otto Luyken” are well suited.
Which substrate is suitable for the laurel cherry?
The cherry laurel is not very demanding even in the pot. Place the small shrub in conventional balcony plant soil, which you enrich with a little compost or horn shavings.
How big should I choose the planter?
Choose the bucket in which the cherry laurel should stand in the future, at least twice as big as the root ball of the plant. The container must also offer space for the roots to spread downwards.
How thirsty is the cherry laurel?
Since the cherry laurel evaporates a lot of water through its leaves, you have to water the potted plant regularly. If the pot ball is too dry, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. On the other hand, waterlogging damages the laurel cherry. Therefore, always water when the soil feels dry (thumb test) and pour away excess water in the saucer.
Does the potted plant need to be cut?
So that the laurel cherry doesn't grow over your head and turn your balcony into a jungle, you should also regularly shorten the smaller species. Use clean and sharp rose scissors (€25.00 on Amazon) to cut off the shoots above a leaf axil in spring and summer. This stimulates the densely branched growth of the tree.
How does the laurel cherry overwinter on the balcony?
Although the species mentioned above are winter-hardy, you must protect the potted plant from freezing and drying out. During the cold season, move the cherry laurel to a corner of the balcony protected from the wind and insulate the planter with Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Check occasionally that the soil still feels moist and water if necessary.
Tips & Tricks
All parts of the cherry laurel plant are poisonous. Since the berries taste very sweet, children may be tempted to snack on the poisonous plant. Therefore, in households with small children, avoid using the laurel cherry as a balcony decoration.
