If you prefer a privacy screen on the balcony, the cherry laurel is a nice alternative to coverings made of natural mats or synthetic fabrics. Since the laurel cherry does not shed its beautifully colored leaves in winter, the loggia becomes an undisturbed place all year round. We will tell you how you can cultivate the { woody plant in a bucket.

Which varieties are suitable?

Since many cherry laurel species grow very quickly and then become too big for the planter, you should look around for rather small varieties in the trade. Well suited are, for example, "Mount Vermon", "Low 'n Green" or "Otto Luyken".

Which substrate is suitable for the laurel cherry?

The cherry laurel is also not very demanding in the bucket. Plant the small shrub in conventional balcony plant soil, which you enrich with some compost or horn shavings (€32.93).

How big does the planter have to be?

Choose the bucket in which the cherry laurel will be at least twice as large as the root ball of the plant. The container must also provide space for the roots to spread downwards.

How thirsty is the cherry laurel?

Since the laurel cherry evaporates a lot of water through the leaves, you have to water the container plant regularly. If the root ball is too dry, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. On the other hand, waterlogging damages the laurel cherry. Therefore, always water when the soil feels dry (thumb test) and pour away excess water in the saucer.

Does the potted plant have to be cut?

So that the laurel cherry does not grow too much for you and turns the balcony into a jungle, you should also regularly shorten the small species. In spring and summer, cut off the shoots above a leaf axil with clean and sharp rose scissors. This stimulates the densely branched growth of the tree.

How does the laurel cherry overwinter on the balcony?

Although the species mentioned above are hardy, you must protect the potted plant from freezing and drying out. In the cold season, move the cherry laurel to a wind-protected corner of the balcony and insulate the planter with polystyrene or bubble wrap. Check occasionally if the soil still feels damp and water if necessary.

tips and tricks

All parts of the cherry laurel plant are poisonous. Since the berries taste very sweet, children may be tempted to snack on the poisonous plant. Therefore, do not use the laurel cherry as a balcony decoration in households with small children.

SKb

Category:

Trees