Do you prefer an evergreen, natural privacy screen on the balcony that is also robust and grows quickly? Many cherry laurel species meet all of these requirements and can also be easily grown in pots.
How do you grow cherry laurel in a container?
Cherry laurel in a pot requires a large planter, conventional balcony or green plant soil, sufficient water and regular fertilization. Trim the plant regularly and insulate the pot in winter. Be aware of the plant's toxicity in households with small children.
Choose short-growing varieties
Unlike cherry laurel in the garden, the tree grows slower in the pot and is less tall. Nevertheless, it is recommended to choose laurel cherry species such as Otto Luyken, Mount Vernon or Low'n Green for balcony cultivation are naturally slow-growing.
The size of the planter
The roots of the cherry laurel need a lot of space to develop. The width of the pot should be at least twice the root ball and leave enough space for the roots even in depth.
Which substrate is suitable for cherry laurel in a pot?
The tree can be placed in conventional balcony or green plant soil. Topsoil from the garden is also well suited, enriching it with a little compost or horn shavings.
Don’t forget to water and fertilize
Since the cherry laurel evaporates a lot of water from the leaf surface, it needs daily watering in the hot summer months. The wood responds to drought with a brown or yellow coloring of the foliage.
Ensure that the irrigation water can drain well, as the cherry laurel is sensitive to waterlogging. We recommend dumping excess water in the coaster after a while. Fertilize the cherry laurel every four to six weeks from spring to the end of August with liquid mineral fertilizer (€10.00 on Amazon) or horn meal.
Does the potted plant need to be cut?
So that the laurel cherry doesn't grow over your head, you should cut the balcony trees regularly. The same rules that apply to cherry laurel in the garden must be observed.
The optimal time for a vigorous pruning of the tree is spring. The laurel cherry tolerates pruning very well; You can make small correction cuts again and again during the growing season.
Overwintering the laurel cherry
In preparation for winter, the planter is well insulated with Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Move the pot to a sheltered spot on the balcony and provide the tree with water on frost-free days.
Tips & Tricks
Since the laurel cherry is poisonous, you should avoid cultivating it on the balcony in households with small children. Due to the toxicity, wear gloves when carrying out all work.
