The cherry laurel, originally native to the temperate regions of Asia Minor, is only partially frost-resistant, as it only has to withstand sub-zero temperatures in exceptional cases in its natural habitat. On the other hand, the cold does not bother the cultivated forms in our gardens. You can find out which varieties survive frosts well and how to overwinter sensitive species in the following article.

Not all varieties are fully hardy

It varies from variety to variety as to whether the evergreen wood can withstand long periods of cold weather unscathed. If you live in rough areas, you should therefore only choose cherry laurel species that can withstand temperatures of up to -20 degrees for a short time.

The following varieties are considered to be extremely frost-resistant:

  • Angustifolia (Portuguese Cherry Laurel)
  • etc
  • Herbergii (Upright Bay Cherry)
  • Otto Luyken (broad laurel cherry)
  • Diana
  • Mount Vernon

Some popular species are more suitable for mild regions

Varieties that are sensitive to frost, such as Rotundfolia, often freeze back a little in winter. But even if the laurel cherry shows clear cold damage, this is no cause for concern, because the wood usually sprout again willingly.

Nevertheless, you should give conditionally hardy varieties in harsh regions a wind-protected place near the house.

Protect cherry laurel from frosts

A mulch layer of leaves or bark about ten centimeters thick protects the soil from drying out due to icy winds and warms the root area of the plants. In harsh regions, protect young plants from excessive cold by placing fir branches upright on the ground. Tuck the branches firmly into the ground and secure them around the cherry laurel to prevent winter protection from being blown away.

Potted plants are particularly at risk in winter, as the substrate in the pot freezes through quickly and the wood can no longer absorb any moisture. Therefore, place the laurel cherry in a sheltered corner near the house. Shield the planter from the cold with bubble wrap or burlap. Alternatively, you can overwinter the cherry laurel in a bright, frost-free room or in an unheated greenhouse.

Important: Water the laurel cherry in winter too

The evergreen shrub evaporates a lot of moisture over the large leaf area on sunny or windy winter days. On frost-free days, the cherry laurel therefore needs additional watering.

If the sun falls on the foliage during the day and the plant cannot replace the evaporated liquid because of the frozen ground, the leaves turn yellow. The laurel cherry sometimes even reacts to these so-called bald frosts by completely shedding their leaves. However, this does not mean that the tree has died.

In the spring, cut back all frozen parts of the plant deep into the healthy wood. The cherry laurel usually sprout again and after just a few weeks there is no longer any sign of the winter damage.

tips and tricks

Cherry laurel is a beautiful solitary tree that brings color to the winter garden with its intensely colored foliage. It is wonderful to see how frost adorns the leaves and glitters in the sun.
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Trees