- What is the difference between privet and cherry laurel?
- Cherry laurel is more poisonous
- Ecological benefit
- Privet or cherry laurel?
When planting a garden hedge, the gardener is spoiled for choice. Not all shrubs are suitable for every location to create an opaque hedge. What is better than hedge planting - privet or cherry laurel?
The cherry laurel has red berries and also does well in shady locations
What is the difference between privet and cherry laurel?
| properties | liguster | cherry laurel |
|---|---|---|
| Easy-care | Yes | Yes |
| Shady locations suitable? | no | Yes |
| cut | often | occasionally |
| toxicity | poisonous berries | poisonous berries |
| leaves | not evergreen | evergreen |
| location | slightly damp, not wet | tolerates more moisture |
| rapid growth | grows very fast | grows slowly |
| hardy | Yes | conditionally hardy |
| ecological benefit | yes, insects, birds | no |
Cherry laurel is more poisonous
If you have children, you should avoid cherry laurel. The berries of both shrubs are poisonous, but the fruits of the cherry laurel contain more toxins.
Ecological benefit
The privet is a native plant species that is used by numerous animals. Bumblebees, butterflies and other insects use privet as a food source. 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 most 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 ecological garden.
Privet or cherry laurel?
For a hedge in the city, the hardy privet is preferable, as it will do well in almost any location. In addition, it is absolutely hardy, while cherry laurel must be protected from severe frost.
The care of privet is a bit more complex because of the frequent cutting. But the shrub grows much faster than the cherry laurel. In addition, it can be cut into any desired shape.
Cherry laurel is evergreen. The leaves are shiny green and keep their color all year round, even in very shady places. Privet loses its leaves in autumn or winter. With many varieties, such as Atrovirens, the leaves remain hanging for a very long time, so that the hedge is quite opaque even in winter. Privet foliage color can change with frost, making the shrub appear more vibrant overall.
tips
There are numerous types of both privet and cherry laurel that are suitable for the garden. It is best to let a specialist advise you on which type you should choose for your application.