How to Plant and Care for Dwarf English Cherry Laurel

Dwarf English cherry laurel is a low-maintenance shrub that can thrive in a variety of conditions.

Plant dwarf English cherry laurel in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH, between 6.0 and 6.5.

Choose a location that receives partial shade to full sun, depending on your climate.

The shrub can grow up to 3-6 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, making it a great option for hedges or borders.

Cherry laurel is a popular choice for screening and foundation landscaping due to its evergreen nature and deer-resistant properties.

Many different cultivars are available, including 'Otto Luyken' and 'Schipkaensis' (also referred to as "skip laurel").

English laurel is another common name for the species.

Cherry laurel produces creamy white, fragrant flower spikes in April or May.

Pollinated flowers can develop small black fruits.

Here are some common cultivars of cherry laurel:

Planting a dwarf English cherry laurel is a straightforward process. Make several cuts along the outside of the root ball if the roots are root-bound, and spread them outward so they can establish into the surrounding soil.

For balled and burlapped plants, remove the burlap and any twine or wire cage. Dig the planting hole just deep enough to accommodate the root ball with the root flare level with, or slightly above, ground level.

Mulch around your new plant, keeping it no thicker than 2-3 inches in depth and several inches away from the base of the stems. Monitor the soil moisture of your dwarf English cherry laurel regularly, and water deeply if it begins to dry out several inches below the surface.

Spacing and size are crucial factors to consider when planting your garden. Mature size generally ranges from 10-15 feet high and about 6-12 feet wide, but will vary with the cultivar.

Check plant tags for approximate mature size to ensure you give your plants enough space to grow. Dwarf cultivars like ‘Otto Luyken’ grow to approximately 4 feet tall but can reach 6 feet wide.

Give your plants enough space to mature without relying on pruning to restrict their size.

On a similar theme: English Laurel Size

Planting is a crucial step in giving your new plants the best chance to thrive. Make sure to plant container-grown plants with their roots spread outwards, if they're root-bound.

If you're planting a balled and burlapped (B&B) plant, remove the burlap and any twine or wire cage. This will help the roots establish themselves in the surrounding soil.

Dig the planting hole just deep enough to accommodate the root ball, with the root flare level with or slightly above ground level. This will help prevent water from collecting in the roots.

Mulch should be laid no thicker than 2-3 inches in depth, and kept several inches away from the base of the plant stems. This will help retain moisture and prevent the mulch from rotting the stems.

Monitoring the soil moisture of new plants regularly is essential. Water deeply if it begins to dry out several inches below the surface.

See what others are reading: English Laurel Plant

Cherry laurel problems can be a real nuisance, but knowing what to look for can help you catch issues early on. Leaf yellowing is a common symptom, and it can be caused by several things, including root rot, which can turn leaves brown and cause branches to die back.

Old leaf shed is a normal process, but it's worth noting that it can be mistaken for disease or pests. White Prunicola Scale and White Peach Scale can also cause leaf yellowing, and they often leave behind white flecks on the bark of branches.

If you notice larger branches die back, or if the bark is stripped from the base of the plant, it could be a sign of a meadow vole infestation. These pests can cause significant damage to your cherry laurel.

Winter damage can also cause leaf tips or edges to turn brown, but the leaves won't fall off right away. Cherry Shot Hole Disease is another issue that can cause brown spots or holes in leaves.

Curious to learn more? Check out: When to Cut Back English Lavender

Here's a quick reference guide to some common cherry laurel problems:

By keeping an eye out for these potential issues, you can take action to prevent them from causing further damage to your dwarf English cherry laurel.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Compacta' is a standout choice for deep shade in warmer parts of the country. It's a compact variety that won't take over your garden, making it perfect for filling shady corners or creating privacy screens and hedges.

This shrub boasts beautiful glossy leaves that look great all year round, and it's also a great option for areas with mixed light levels. It can thrive in full sun, making it a versatile choice for any garden.

The 'Compacta' variety is a smaller version of the full-sized English Cherry Laurel, which means it needs much less trimming to maintain its shape. In fact, it can grow up to six feet tall and wide with minimal pruning.

Here are some key benefits of Prunus laurocerasus 'Compacta':

This plant has no known pests or diseases, and it's incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in a wide range of conditions with minimal care. It's definitely a top pick for anyone looking for a hassle-free shrub that looks great all year round.