When creating a garden hedge, the gardener is spoiled for choice. Not all shrubs are suitable for every location to create an opaque hedge. Which is better for hedge planting – privet or cherry laurel?
Privet or cherry laurel as a hedge plant?
Privet impresses with its fast growth, winter hardiness and ecological benefits for insects and birds, but is not evergreen. Cherry laurel remains green year-round, but is more toxic and offers little ecological benefit. The decision depends on individual requirements and site conditions.
What are the differences between privet and cherry laurel?
| Features | Privet | Cherry Laurel |
|---|---|---|
| Easy care | yes | yes |
| Side locations suitable? | no | yes |
| Cut | often | occasionally |
| Toxicity | poisonous berries | poisonous berries |
| leaves | not evergreen | evergreen |
| Location | slightly moist, not wet | can tolerate more moisture |
| Fast growth | growing very quickly | growing slowly |
| hardy | yes | conditionally hardy |
| ecological benefits | yes, insects, birds | no |
Cherry laurel is more poisonous
If you have children, you should avoid cherry laurel. The berries of both bushes are poisonous, but the fruits of the cherry laurel contain more toxins.
Ecological benefits
The privet is a native plant species that is used by numerous animals. Privet serves as a food source for bumblebees, butterflies and other insects. The birds also like to eat the berries and nest in the bushes.
Cherry laurel, on the other hand, is not accepted by the animal world. At best, birds breed in the hedge. Insects and birds stay away from the flowers and fruits.
The BUND describes cherry laurel as a “plastic plant” that has no place in an organic garden.
Privet or cherry laurel?
The robust privet is preferable for a hedge in the city as it can cope with almost any location. It is also completely hardy, while cherry laurel must be protected from severe frost.
The care of privet is a little more complex because of the frequent cutting. The shrub grows much faster than the cherry laurel. It can also be cut into any shape you want.
Cherry laurel is evergreen. The leaves are shiny green and retain their color all year round, even in very shady places. Privet loses its leaves in fall or winter. With many varieties, such as Atrovirens, the leaves remain hanging for a very long time, so that the hedge is fairly opaque even in winter. The privet's foliage color can change with frost, making the shrub generally appear more lively.
Tip
There are numerous species of both privet and cherry laurel that are suitable for the garden. It's best to get advice from an expert about which variety you should choose for your intended use.
