The evergreen cherry laurel is primarily planted as a privacy hedge because of its dense and beautifully colored foliage. What is less known is that the bushes are also decorated with pretty flowers, which are also often visited by butterflies and other insects.
When and how does the cherry laurel bloom?
The flowering period of the cherry laurel extends from April to May, with many small individual flowers appearing in racemose inflorescences. Under optimal site conditions, all types of cherry laurel bloom, some with denser flowers than others.
The appearance of the flowers
The cherry laurel produces many small individual flowers in a terminal, racemose inflorescence. They are radially symmetrical and five-fold with a double perianth (perianth). They spread a pleasant aromatic scent. Small, spherical fruits develop from the flowers, which turn from green to black as they ripen.
The heyday
The blooming period of the laurel cherry lasts from April to May. Some species bloom a second time in September.
After flowering is the optimal time to cut back a cherry laurel hedge. The plants then hardly produce any fruit and put all their energy into the dense growth.
Are there varieties that don't bloom?
Contrary to popular prejudice, all types of cherry laurel bloom, although some varieties produce a denser flower cluster than others. Caucasia and Herbergii, for example, are characterized by very strong flowers, while Rotundfolia and Novita produce significantly fewer flower umbels.
The cherry laurel will only not bloom at all if the soil or site conditions are not optimal.
Tips & Tricks
The stone contained in the berries is poisonous, like all other parts of the laurel cherry plant. Because the flesh tastes pleasantly sweet, children may think the berries are edible. Therefore, be sure to cut off the spent umbels if there are small children in your household.
