So that the cherry laurel forms dense hedges and can develop well at the same time, the bushes must be planted at the right distance. This is the only way the shrub doesn't take up too much space over the years and put pressure on neighboring plants.
What distance should you keep when planting cherry laurel?
The ideal planting distance for cherry laurel varies depending on the variety and size. For wide-growing varieties, the distance is 50 to 100 cm, while slender-growing varieties such as Genolia require at least three plants per linear meter. Additionally, plan at least 50 cm distance from fences and buildings.
Strong and rapid growth
When planting cherry laurel, you must not ignore the enormous growth potential of the evergreen shrub. Many species reach heights and widths of three meters or more. In small gardens you should therefore only plant slow-growing varieties that, if pruned regularly, will not take up too much space in the garden.
The planting distance for hedges
Since you want a hedge to grow, the bushes must be planted close enough. At the same time, you should not fall short of a certain minimum distance so that the individual bushes grow bushy and do not crowd each other. Please note:
- Wide-growing varieties with a planting height of around one meter can be planted fifty to one hundred centimeters apart. This allows the hedge to slowly thicken and the individual bushes do not hinder their growth.
- The planting distance also depends on the variety. Slender and tall growing cherry laurels such as Genolia need to be planted more closely than bushy growing species. Plan to plant at least three of these laurel cherries per meter.
- How many bushes you need per meter of hedge also depends on the size of the laurel cherries you purchase. Experts recommend planting at least three meters per meter of the Etna variety with a height of eighty centimeters. Shrubs that are already 160 centimeters tall when purchased require a meter of planting distance to develop freely.
Plan enough distance from fences and walls
Since cherry laurel grows very quickly and can grow up to fifty centimeters in height and width per year, you must allow enough distance from fences and buildings for pruning. You can find out how wide the cherry laurel will be from the information on the plant label. Allow at least fifty centimeters of space for the maximum width so that you can easily go around the entire bush when pruning.
Tips & Tricks
If an older laurel cherry has become too big for the garden, you can shorten it without worry and put it back on the tree.
