Whether cherry laurel or laurel cherry, this plant is extremely popular for hedge planting. But finding your way in the world of laurel cherries is not easy at first. In order not to make a bad purchase, here is an overview of the varieties and their possible uses.

Laurel cherries for hedges

Most laurel cherry varieties differ primarily in terms of their growth height. Do you want to create a low one? Then it is best to choose the variety called 'Otto Luyken'. It grows rather wide than tall (width: 2 to 4 m, height: up to 2 m), has smaller leaves than other varieties and is ideal for low hedges and underplanting.

On the other hand, other varieties are excellent for high hedges. These include the following well-established varieties:

  • 'Rotundifolia': fast-growing, up to 4 m wide and 5 m high, large and broad leaves, sensitive to frost
  • 'Caucasica': fast-growing, up to 4 m high, narrow-leaved
  • 'Novita': fast-growing, up to 3 m tall, large leaves, frost hardy
  • 'Herbergii': small leaves, extremely dense growth (optimal privacy), up to 4 m high

Laurel cherries for slopes and embankments

There are also laurel cherries, which grow low and slowly and are ideal ground cover:

  • 'Mount Verno': up to 40 cm high, slow growth, neither flowers nor fruits
  • 'Mano': up to 1 m tall and wide, creeping growth, extremely hardy, ideal for rough locations

Bay cherries for tubs

They are slow growing and stay small. An incision is rarely required. Such varieties that are predestined for tubs are 'Piri', 'Cherry Brandy' (newer variety) and 'Mischeana'. They usually grow to a maximum height of 1 m.

The giant among the laurel cherries

If you want to cause a stir, we recommend the giant under the laurel cherries. This is the Portuguese laurel (Prunus angustifolia Lusitanica). It grows up to 10 m high, tolerates pruning well and is extremely hardy. Ideally suited as a solitaire and for high hedges.

tips and tricks

If you want a high and opaque laurel hedge within a short period of time, you should plant the 'Etna' variety. With a growth rate of 40 cm per year, it is extremely fast-growing and tolerates pruning well.

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Garden design