With a maximum height of about two meters and the broad, bushy growth, the Etna cherry laurel is ideal for underplanting or for greening a roof garden. Since Etna only grows about a meter wide, this laurel cherry is also suitable as an evergreen ornament in smaller gardens.
Water requirements of the Etna cherry laurel
Like all cherry laurel species, Etna is sensitive to waterlogging and prefers even soil moisture. However, the wood usually survives short dry phases unscathed. If the soil feels dry, it is advisable to flood or water the laurel cherry and then let it dry for a few days.
How much fertilizer does Etna need?
Fertilize the laurel cherry in spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Horn shavings (€32.93) and compost have proven useful, as well as well-seasoned horse or cow manure. Young plants can be fertilized again in June.
When do shrubs cultivated in buckets need to be repotted?
Since the laurel cherry needs a lot of nutrients, you should always transfer them to a new planter when the roots almost completely fill the pot. The best time for repotting is spring.
How is it cut?
The Etna cherry laurel must be pruned back at least once a year so that it retains its compact and bushy growth. You should make this cut in the spring immediately after flowering. Since electric cutting tools damage many of the large leaves, the pruning must always be done with sharp hedge trimmers (77.00 €).
Does the laurel Etna need winter protection?
Etna is one of the cherry laurel species that can withstand frost relatively well. However, as with many laurel cherries, cold damage can occur in extreme sub-zero temperatures. If you cut out the affected shoots in the spring, the wood will recover quickly in most cases. Young plants and shrubs that thrive in very harsh areas should still receive adequate winter protection.
What pests or diseases could affect the plant?
In the case of prolonged drought and wet summers, fungal infestation can occur. Depending on the weather, powdery mildew or powdery mildew or shotgun disease could then occur. You can combat all fungal diseases with suitable sprays.
Vine weevils prefer to settle on plants with robust foliage. You can recognize an infestation by the semicircular feeding spots along the edges of the leaves. Occasionally, the Etna laurel cherry is infested with lice.
tips and tricks
The new shoots of this laurel cherry are initially bronze-colored and stand out very attractively from the dark green foliage. This special feature of the wood comes into its own in the sunlight in particular and sets attractive design accents.