An evergreen hedge as a natural border looks much more harmonious in the garden than a high privacy fence or a wall. The fast-growing cherry laurel is particularly popular for enclosing larger gardens, as it is not very picky about its location and even thrives in the shade. In this article you will learn how to properly care for the robust shrub.

How much water does the laurel cherry need?

In dry summers, you must water the cherry laurel regularly so that the foliage retains its bright green color and is not shed. However, the laurel cherry does not like wet feet and waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. Always flush the wood when the soil in the upper area feels dry. Unlike deciduous shrubs, the evergreen shrub needs water even in dry winters, as a lot of moisture evaporates through the large leaves when the sun is shining. Therefore, do not forget to water the laurel cherry if necessary, as soon as the frost subsides.

How is fertilized?

When planting, mix the soil with compost, manure or horn shavings (€32.93) to provide the wood with sufficient nutrients in the first year. From the second year, the first fertilizer is applied in spring. If necessary, you can fertilize the laurel cherry again in early summer with compost. Fertilizers should no longer be used from August so that the branches mature and do not freeze back in the winter months.

When may a cherry laurel be used or moved?

The best time to plant laurel cherries is spring and late summer until around the beginning of September. If you want to move the wood, these periods are also ideal.

How is the shrub pruned?

Cut back the cherry laurel vigorously in spring so that the fast-growing shrub grows vigorously and densely in the new season. Hedges can be trimmed in May or June. If necessary, you can cut them again at the beginning of August at the latest.

Is the cherry laurel hardy?

Almost all varieties of laurel cherry are hardy. It is recommended to mulch the root area with leaves or fir branches. This protective layer of plant matter improves soil quality. the soil remains moist and warms up faster in spring due to the work of soil organisms.

What pests can attack the shrub?

The laurel cherry is very robust, pest infestation is often due to poor growth conditions. Occasionally the plant is visited by aphids, scale insects or mealybugs. The infestation can be contained well with ecological means or an insecticide.

Is the laurel cherry susceptible to diseases?

With the right choice of location, the cherry laurel is less susceptible to disease. Occasionally, the shrub is attacked by shotgun disease and powdery mildew or downy mildew. In addition to pruning and home remedies that work well, you can treat these diseases with fungicides.

tips and tricks

During the flowering period, many ants are often found on the laurel cherry. The small creepy-crawlies feed on the sweet nectar that emerges from the nectar glands on the underside of the leaf. They do not damage the wood, but on the contrary keep vermin at bay.

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Trees