Buy prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel)
The cherry laurel hedge, also known as laurel hedge or ornamental cherry hedge, is a fast-growing hedge plant widely used in many gardens. This specifically refers to the species Prunus laurocerasus and Prunus lusitanica, which are cultivated for hedging purposes. The genus Prunus comprises several hundred species of trees and shrubs. To make it as easy as possible for you, the plant experts at Heijnen have highlighted on this page only the laurel varieties that can be used for creating hedges. Since 1976, Heijnen has been growing Prunus hedge plants and other beautiful plants. Laurel belongs to the Rosaceae family and is originally native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The cherry laurel hedge is a robust and elegant hedging plant with vigorous growth, with some varieties growing as much as 40–60 cm per year! In addition, Prunus hedging species tolerate pruning extremely well and remain evergreen throughout the year. For that reason, both Prunus laurocerasus and Prunus lusitanica are frequently chosen as hedge plants. They are ideal for use as a boundary hedge between neighbours, for example, while their glossy, deep green foliage provides a luxurious and lush appearance. Moreover, the dense branches and leaves create a natural shelter for birds. Thanks to its rapid growth and easy maintenance, the cherry laurel hedge is suitable for both private gardens and large parks. Although the flowering of cherry laurel is often inconspicuous, the blossoms are an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Key features and plant characteristics of a Cherry Laurel hedge (laurel cherry)
The cherry laurel hedge is one of the best-selling hedges at Heijnen. This is because the laurel hedge is a strong and versatile hedging plant with many positive qualities. With over 50 years of growing experience, the plant experts at Heijnen are pleased to share the most important features and characteristics of the cherry laurel hedge:
Growth rate: one of the main reasons why Heijnen’s customers choose a cherry laurel hedge is its growth rate. Almost all Prunus hedging varieties are fast-growing hedge plants. This can range from several tens of centimetres per year up to as much as 40–60 cm of growth annually. For each laurel hedge variety we indicate the expected growth rate, so that you can select the hedge best suited to your garden. The fastest growers are ‘Caucasica’, ‘Rotundifolia’ and ‘Novita’; the slower growers are ‘Etna’ and ‘Otto Luyken’.Height: the height of a cherry laurel hedge depends on the chosen variety and your garden requirements. Heights may range from about half a metre (0.5 m) up to 4 or 5 metres tall. With pruning, the Prunus hedge can be kept at any desired height. Because laurel hedges grow so quickly, they are often used for taller hedges (from 50 cm upwards), making them ideal for enclosing the garden, screening walls, or creating privacy from neighbours. For edging borders, it is better to choose slower-growing hedge plants such as yew (Taxus), box (Buxus) or holly (Ilex).Leaf structure (density): cherry laurel hedges generally have large, leathery, glossy leaves that are usually oval in shape and dark green in colour. The exact form and size of the leaves depend on the Prunus variety. The foliage is very robust and, with timely pruning, produces a neatly branching hedge. As a result, a laurel hedge provides excellent screening against visibility and wind.Evergreen: all Prunus hedging varieties are evergreen, which means they retain their beautiful green foliage throughout the year. Even in cold weather, the cherry laurel holds onto its leaves. This ensures year-round privacy as well as year-round colour in the garden.Flowering: although cherry laurels are not especially known for their blossoms (the exception being Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’), most hedges do flower annually, albeit discreetly. Regular pruning to maintain a neat and tidy hedge does limit flowering considerably. If you trim the hedge tightly before the flowering season (April/May), you will hardly see any blossoms. For this reason, it is advisable to combine a laurel hedge with flowering garden plants, so you can enjoy both a beautiful hedge and blooms in the garden.Site requirements: a laurel hedge grows best in a sunny or partially shaded spot in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. While cherry laurels will also grow in shaded areas, growth will be less vigorous than in full sun. Very wet soils and heavy clay are poorly tolerated by Prunus hedges. More detailed information on soil and planting position can be found below under the heading ‘The perfect soil and site for a laurel hedge’.Hardiness: in general, laurel hedges are hardy and withstand frost well, although not all Prunus hedging varieties are equally frost resistant. For this reason, we list the hardiness of each variety under “plant characteristics” on the product page. ‘Novita’ and ‘Caucasica’ are the most robust laurel types, while Portuguese laurel is more sensitive to frost. External factors also play a role, such as the planting position (sheltered or exposed to wind), mulching, timing of the last pruning, length and severity of the frost period, and soil moisture levels around the hedge.
Applications of cherry laurel (Prunus) hedge varieties in the garden
The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is one of the most popular hedge plants thanks to its fast growth and dense, glossy foliage. Due to the versatility and favourable characteristics of the Prunus hedge (cherry laurel), this plant can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. While most Heijnen customers mainly use cherry laurel as a dense, green boundary hedge, there are many more possibilities. The hedge specialists at Heijnen have listed below the most common applications and benefits:
A cherry laurel hedge is evergreen and therefore provides privacy in the garden all year round. This makes the cherry laurel hedge an ideal natural boundary. It is most commonly planted at heights ranging between 0.5 and 4 metres due to its fast growth.
Thanks to its dense structure and excellent pruning tolerance, cherry laurel is also suitable for topiary. In addition to creating hedges, you can also shape larger forms such as balls, pillars, pyramids or ‘laurel clouds’. Particularly with varieties that have smaller leaves, such as Portuguese laurel, very neat shapes can be achieved.
Because of its rapid growth and good branching, the cherry laurel hedge is also highly suitable as a windbreak or sound buffer, helping to make your garden quieter and more sheltered.
Cherry laurel can grow into a large and robust hedge, making it perfect for concealing unsightly objects such as bins, garden sheds or walls completely out of sight.
Cherry laurel hedge plants can also be used very effectively in block planting, for example to create clean, architectural shapes.
Slower-growing Prunus varieties such as ‘Otto Luyken’ can also be used as lower hedges, making them suitable for narrow paths and borders.
Laurel plants can also be grown as stand-alone specimens, for instance as an eye-catcher in the middle of a lawn, in a border, in containers, or in woodland planting schemes, since Prunus tolerates shade fairly well. A laurel shrub makes a striking feature in any border and requires minimal maintenance.
Which plants combine well with a cherry laurel hedge?
A Prunus hedge (cherry laurel) pairs beautifully with other garden plants, especially when used as a hedge. Thanks to its glossy, dark green leaves, the laurel provides an attractive, evergreen backdrop that suits almost any garden style. As a tall hedge, Prunus serves as the perfect structural planting against which flowering perennials, ornamental grasses or shrubs can truly stand out. Classic favourites such as lavender, salvia and geraniums complement cherry laurel particularly well. By combining these perennials, you create striking contrasts: the green backdrop of the hedge together with the colours and flowers of these perennials. Shrubs can also provide beautiful contrasts. From experience, we know that hydrangeas and hibiscus look stunning alongside a cherry laurel hedge. Roses, lilac, buddleia (butterfly bush) and skimmia are also excellent companions for Prunus. Foliage contrasts can also be used effectively in the garden. Plants with distinctive foliage, such as ornamental grasses (pennisetum, miscanthus or carex) or ferns, pair perfectly with a cherry laurel hedge.
The perfect soil and site for a cherry laurel hedge
A Prunus hedge (cherry laurel) thrives in sunny, partially shaded and even shaded positions in the garden, making it one of the most versatile hedge plants in our range. For optimal growth, a laurel hedge does not require full sun. Even in shaded gardens the plant remains attractive and can develop into a dense hedge. In addition to the right position, soil quality and proper soil preparation are essential for a healthy, vigorous hedge. Laurel prefers nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil. The ground may be moist, but it should not remain waterlogged for long periods. Excess water must be able to drain away to prevent the hedge from suffering from ‘wet feet’. This avoids root rot and ultimately plant loss. On heavy clay soils, it is important to improve aeration by adding sand or compost so that water can drain more effectively. On poor sandy soils, the structure should be enriched with compost or garden soil to improve water and nutrient retention. To prevent general root desiccation, apply a mulch layer of bark around the base of the plant, which helps retain moisture. The ideal pH value for Prunus is between 6 and 7, so a neutral to slightly acidic soil is most suitable. Feed the laurel hedge twice a year: once in early spring and again in June or July, for example with Heijnen’s starter and maintenance fertiliser. Although a Prunus hedge can tolerate drought reasonably well, it does need timely watering. After planting, it is important to water the hedge sufficiently to help it establish a strong root system. Once established, the hedge can supply itself with moisture and watering is only necessary during prolonged dry spells. Always check the soil carefully before watering to ensure it is actually needed.
Would you like to plant a Prunus hedge and enjoy a healthy, full hedge for many years? Then make sure to provide:
A location in sun or partial shade (it will also tolerate shade).
A nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil.
Avoid prolonged waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Regular watering during the first years and in dry periods.
Annual fertilisation in spring, with an additional feed in summer if necessary.
A mulch layer of bark to protect roots from drying out.
Tip from our plant experts: when planting, use Heijnen planting soil , so that the laurel gets off to a strong start and quickly develops a dense root system.
Planting a cherry laurel hedge
Cherry laurel hedge plants grown in pots can be planted year-round, except during periods of frost when the ground is frozen. If you choose laurel with a root ball (or bare-root), planting is only possible in spring or autumn. The risk of desiccation is then smaller, allowing the Prunus hedge to establish more quickly and effectively. Because potted laurel hedge plants do not need to be lifted from the ground, their roots remain undamaged during planting, which means the plant will begin to root almost immediately, depending on the temperature. A common mistake when planting a cherry laurel hedge is setting the plants too deep into the soil. This is unnecessary and can even hinder growth. The root ball (whether from potted plants or bare-root) only needs to be positioned a few centimetres below ground level so that the roots make direct contact with the surrounding soil. A dense, full hedge starts with the correct planting distance. The larger the Prunus hedge plants at planting, the fewer you will need per metre. Always check our website for the exact number of plants per linear metre according to the variety and height, as this differs slightly between cherry laurel types. As a general guideline, you can use the following planting distances per linear metre:
Cherry laurel hedge 60/80 cm – 3 plants per linear metre.Cherry laurel hedge 80/100 cm, 100/125 cm – 2.5 plants per linear metre.Cherry laurel hedge 125/150 cm, 150/175 cm, 175/200 cm – 2 plants per linear metre.Cherry laurel hedge 200/225 cm – 1.5 plants per linear metre.
For successful growth, good preparation is essential. Enrich the soil with Heijnen planting soil or compost to provide extra nutrients. This promotes root development and ensures a healthy, vigorous hedge. After planting the Prunus hedge, it is important to water the plants sufficiently, especially during dry periods. For a detailed step-by-step guide to planting a Prunus hedge, see our hedge planting instructions . Our cherry laurel hedges and plants come directly from the grower.
Tip from our laurel grower: do you want a beautiful, mature cherry laurel hedge quickly? Then choose larger potted or root-ball plants at planting, or opt for complete hedge elements (ready-made hedges).
Essential care and maintenance of a cherry laurel hedge
With the right care and maintenance, a cherry laurel hedge can thrive and last for many decades. This evergreen hedge plant is well known for its rapid growth, dense structure and year-round green foliage. The plant experts at Heijnen have listed below the most important tips to help you enjoy a healthy and beautiful cherry laurel hedge for many years to come:
Planting a cherry laurel hedge
Best planting period: spring (March/April) and autumn (September/October) for root-ball plants. For the best results, follow our clear instructions on planting cherry laurel hedges so that your new hedge gets off to a strong start.Potted laurel plants: can be planted almost all year round, except during periods of frost or extreme heat.Soil: nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained; moist but never waterlogged (see our soil preparation guidelines).Soil improvement: enrich the soil with compost or planting soil to encourage better root development and drainage.Avoid: heavy, wet clay without drainage, as this may cause root rot and ultimately loss of the hedge.
Watering a cherry laurel hedge
After planting: water generously straight away so that the roots of the cherry laurel make good contact with the soil.First months: water regularly to prevent drying out and to allow the hedge to establish well.Watering method: better to water thoroughly once or twice a week during prolonged drought than to give small amounts daily. Less frequent, deep watering stimulates deeper root growth and stronger plants. The amount of water required also depends on the size of the plant.Mature hedge: once well established, a cherry laurel hedge only needs extra water during long dry or hot spells.Note: laurel does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging, so always ensure good drainage.
Pruning a cherry laurel hedge
Frequency: to keep the laurel healthy and full, it is recommended to prune the hedge at least twice a year for a neat, dense appearance.Best pruning period: late May/June after the first growth spurt, and/or late August/September to keep the hedge tidy going into winter.Technique: prune preferably on a cloudy day with sharp hedge shears to avoid ragged or bruised leaves.Shape: trim the hedge slightly tapered (wider at the base than at the top) so that the lower leaves also receive sufficient light.Recovery: cherry laurel tolerates hard pruning well and will re-shoot vigorously, even when cut back to the wood. However, avoid this where possible by pruning in good time.
Feeding a cherry laurel hedge
At planting: give the hedge the right start by fertilising with Heijnen Starter Fertiliser.Spring (March/April): feed for a strong start to the growing season and healthy, glossy foliage using Heijnen Maintenance Fertiliser.Summer (June/July): optionally give a second feed to maintain.
The main ornamental qualities of cherry laurel hedging
The cherry laurel hedge (Prunus laurocerasus), also known as laurel cherry, is one of the most popular hedging plants, primarily thanks to its ornamental value, vigorous growth and robust characteristics. The popularity of cherry laurel can be attributed to the following features:
Evergreen hedge: cherry laurel retains its foliage in winter and remains green all year round. This makes it the perfect hedge for those seeking privacy and shelter in the garden throughout the seasons. A Prunus hedge forms the structural framework of the garden.Fast-growing and robust: depending on the variety, cherry laurel grows on average between 30 and 60 cm per year, forming a dense, full hedge in a relatively short time. With proper care, a laurel hedge can live for decades, making it a long-term investment for any garden.Dense and private: with its large, glossy leaves and compact branching, cherry laurel provides excellent privacy and screening. It also functions as a natural windbreak and sound buffer in the garden.Highly versatile: cherry laurel can be used for both low hedges (from around 50 cm) and tall hedges up to 3–4 metres. It tolerates sun, partial shade and shade, making it suitable for virtually any garden. In addition to its use as a hedge, cherry laurel can also be planted as a specimen, in groups, or shaped through topiary.Elegant appearance: with its large, glossy dark green leaves, the laurel hedge exudes luxury and elegance. It combines beautifully with classical gardens (around villas, castles and estates), as well as with modern or rural garden styles.Biodiversity: some varieties, such as ‘Otto Luyken’, produce clusters of white flowers in spring that attract bees and butterflies. In late summer, black berries appear, serving as a food source for birds (note: toxic to humans and pets). The dense hedge also provides nesting and shelter for birds, contributing to greater biodiversity in the garden. Since most Prunus plants are maintained as hedges, flowering is generally minimal and often inconspicuous.Easy to prune: cherry laurel tolerates pruning extremely well, even hard pruning back into the wood. Whether you prefer a neat, formal hedge or a more natural appearance, laurel is easy to shape and maintain.Low-maintenance: a cherry laurel hedge is vigorous yet undemanding. With just two prunings a year, the hedge remains compact and tidy, keeping maintenance manageable. Prunus is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, requiring only additional watering during dry spells or in the first years after planting.
Popular and widely used cherry laurel hedge varieties
Heijnen Plants offers eight laurel varieties, each perfectly suited as a hedge. Below you can read more about these types, together with their characteristic features of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus):
Laurel ‘Caucasica’ (fresh green and very hardy): Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’ is a popular choice for those looking for a fast-growing (40–60 cm per year) and frost-hardy laurel hedge. With its narrow, dark green leaves and upright growth, this variety forms a dense hedge up to 3–4 metres high. Ideal for narrow gardens where privacy is required. Thanks to its excellent hardiness, it retains its fresh appearance even in severe frost. Perfect as a robust boundary hedge.Laurel ‘Rotundifolia’ (large leaves, quick coverage): The ‘Rotundifolia’ laurel hedge is one of the most widely planted Prunus hedging varieties in gardens. It grows quickly (40–60 cm per year) and vigorously to a maximum height of 3–5 metres, with strikingly large, fresh green leaves. This creates a full, leafy hedge in a short time, making it highly suitable as a tall garden screen. The Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ remains evergreen and hardy through winter. Ideal for those who want to achieve privacy quickly.Laurel ‘Novita’ (strong, hardy and evergreen): Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ is an improved selection of ‘Rotundifolia’. This variety combines a fresh leaf colour with even better hardiness and disease resistance. The ‘Novita’ laurel is a low-maintenance hedge plant that retains its beauty for many years. With a growth rate of 40–60 cm per year, it quickly reaches a height of 3–4 metres. In short, the perfect all-rounder for any garden.Laurel ‘Genolia’ (narrow and upright): The ‘Genolia’ hedge stands out for its slender, upright habit and compact foliage. This laurel reaches 3–4 metres high but grows far less wide than other varieties, making it perfect for narrow hedges in modern gardens. With its glossy, dark green leaves and easy maintenance, ‘Genolia’ is a stylish, space-saving choice. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’ is hardy, evergreen, and grows around 30–50 cm per year.Laurel ‘Etna’ (compact growth and dense foliage): Prunus laurocerasus ‘Etna’ is a compact, bushy laurel with beautifully glossy leaves and young shoots that emerge bronze-coloured. It grows more slowly (20–30 cm per year) than ‘Rotundifolia’, making it easier to maintain. This laurel reaches 2–3 metres in height and stays full and broad, making it ideal for medium-height hedges. Its unique foliage colour gives extra charm to the garden.Laurel ‘Herbergii’ (slightly lower, but early-flowering): Prunus laurocerasus ‘Herbergii’ combines privacy with ornamental value. It has a dense habit and reaches 3–4 metres high. In spring, it produces abundant white flower clusters, attractive to bees and butterflies. With strong hardiness and compact growth (30–50 cm per year), it is easy to maintain. A beautiful hedge for those who want evergreen foliage and flowering in the garden.Laurel ‘Otto Luyken’ (low-growing, slow-growing, but floriferous): ‘Otto Luyken’ is a low-growing Prunus variety, ideal for low hedges or mass planting. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ grows compactly and usually reaches 1–1.5 metres in height, with a slow growth rate of 10–20 cm per year. Its narrow, dark green leaves and abundant spring flowers make it an attractive ornamental hedge. Hardy and evergreen, it remains appealing throughout the year. Perfect for borders, front gardens and as a low boundary hedge.Portuguese Laurel (dark green leaves with reddish-brown stems): The Portuguese laurel hedge is an elegant and luxurious variety with small, dark green leaves and striking reddish-brown stems. With a growth rate of 30–50 cm per year, it reaches 3–4 metres high but grows more compactly than common cherry laurels. Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ is ideal for those seeking a neat, stylish hedge. It is very hardy and evergreen, adding refinement to both classical and modern gardens. A durable choice for a luxurious boundary hedge.
Advantages and disadvantages of cherry laurel (Prunus) hedging
Every plant species has both advantages and disadvantages. Below, the plant experts at Heijnen have listed all the benefits of a Prunus hedge and the potential drawbacks of a cherry laurel hedge:
Advantages of a cherry laurel hedge
A cherry laurel hedge is evergreen, retaining its leaves throughout the year and always providing a fresh, green appearance. All Prunus varieties are robust plants.
Prunus hedge plants grow quickly, 30 to 60 cm per year, ensuring privacy and a full hedge within a short time.
Thanks to their large, glossy leaves and dense growth, cherry laurel hedges provide excellent privacy, even in winter.
The dense structure of laurel makes the hedge highly suitable as a natural windbreak and sound barrier.
Cherry laurel tolerates pruning very well, even hard pruning, which makes it easy to maintain at the desired height and width.
The laurel hedge is versatile: it can be used as a low or high hedge, as a specimen plant, in groups, or even shaped into topiary such as spheres or blocks.
Cherry laurel adds ecological value: in some varieties, the flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the berries and dense branches provide food and nesting sites for birds.
Laurel is tolerant of different planting sites, thriving in sun, partial shade and shade, making it suitable for almost any garden, provided the soil is sufficiently fertile and well-drained.
Disadvantages of Prunus hedging
The leaves and berries of cherry laurel are toxic to humans and animals, so caution is advised if children or pets are present.
Due to its fast growth, a laurel hedge needs to be pruned twice a year to remain neat and compact.
Cherry laurel grows wide and therefore takes up more space than slower-growing hedges such as yew, making it less suitable for small gardens.
Although a cherry laurel hedge can last for decades, it generally has a shorter lifespan than a yew hedge.
Buy your cherry laurel hedge from Heijnen – direct from the grower with fast delivery
Buying a cherry laurel hedge is easy and affordable online at Heijnen. Since 1976, the Heijnen family has been growing a wide range of hedge plants, including several laurel varieties. This popular hedge plant is ideal for almost any garden and is delivered straight from our nursery. This way, you are always assured of top-quality laurel plants at a competitive price. Our hedge varieties are specially selected for quality and durability, so you can enjoy your purchase for many years to come. The cherry laurel hedge is evergreen, fast-growing and forms a dense, full screen. Within a short time, it creates a luxurious, private hedge that will last for decades while providing a stylish green appearance throughout the year. Do you have any questions, need help, or would like advice on buying a cherry laurel hedge? Please feel free to contact our experienced plant specialists by email or phone.
Order your cherry laurel hedge directly from Heijnen and benefit from:
Top-quality laurel hedge plants, fresh from our own nursery
Fast and careful delivery, to your home within just a few working days
Personal, tailored advice from our experienced plant specialists
Alternative Hedge Plants for the Prunus laurocerasus
Would you prefer a different type of hedge than the Prunus laurocerasus? Then discover our popular and possible alternatives here: