The Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia', often referred to as large-leaved cherry laurel or common laurel, is a beautiful and robust hedge plant that brings a calming, evergreen atmosphere to your garden. With its dense, glossy leaves dressed in a vibrant green, this plant adds a touch of lasting nature to any property boundary. A fascinating feature of this plant is its extremely fast and dense growth, which makes it the perfect natural privacy screen. The bright fresh green color of the leaves is complemented in spring by upright white inflorescences, creating a beautiful contrast. In autumn, dark berries form, adding another dimension to the hedge.
Typical characteristics:
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extremely dense, thick, and fast-growing
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evergreen (retains its foliage even in the deepest winter)
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robust, tolerant to pruning, and city-climate resistant
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provides a calming, natural privacy and wind screen
☀️ Location, Soil, and More
The cherry laurel is uncomplicated and very adaptable. The right location is crucial for the hedge to grow vigorously and remain resistant.
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location sunny to shady (very tolerant)
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protection from extremely icy east winds in winter is beneficial
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deep soil is preferred
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Perfect for property boundaries or as a large solitaire in the garden.
🌿 Care of Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' – Overview
This plant is not only a feast for the eyes but also very easy to care for if a few needs are met. It is suitable for both gardening beginners and experienced plant lovers.
🌱 Growth
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upright, bushy and vigorous (up to 40–60 cm growth per year)
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spreads both in height (quickly 2 to 4 meters) and width
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can also be kept excellently in large pots on the terrace
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contributes to a fresh and lively appearance year-round.
🍃 Leaves
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large, broadly elliptical to roundish in shape
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fresh green and beautifully glossy on the top side
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underside is slightly duller and lighter
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The dense foliage absorbs ambient noise and provides shelter for native birds.
💧 Watering / Water
Unlike many moisture-loving plants, established cherry laurel tolerates temporary drought well, but generally prefers evenly moist, not wet, conditions.
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freshly planted hedges should always be kept slightly moist and thoroughly watered
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longer dry periods in summer require additional watering
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also water on frost-free days in winter (avoid winter desiccation)
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However, waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.
🌼 Fertilizing
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from spring (March/April): one application of slow-release fertilizer (e.g., horn meal)
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if necessary, a second fertilization at the end of June
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stop fertilizing from August so that the shoots harden before frost
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Over-fertilization with nitrogen can lead to soft leaves susceptible to frost.
🌱 Substrate
Loose soil is important:
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humus-rich and nutrient-rich
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well-draining
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moderately dry to moist
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A mix of garden soil and some compost works well when planting.
🪴 Planting & Repotting
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the best planting time for hedges is early autumn or early spring
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Cherry laurel has strong roots; for container plants, repot into a larger container every 2 to 3 years.
✂️ Pruning
Prunus laur. Rotundifolia requires regular pruning for a dense shape.
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best time is end of June (after the first flush of growth in spring)
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overly long shoots can be severely shortened (it will sprout again even from old wood)
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it's best to use hand shears to avoid cutting the large leaves unattractively
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use clean and sharp tools.
🌱 Propagating Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia'
Propagation is quite easy from cuttings:
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in late summer, cut semi-hardwood shoot tips (approx. 10-15 cm)
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remove the lower leaves and place in propagation soil, keeping it moist to allow rooting.
☠️ Is Prunus laurocerasus poisonous?
Yes – unlike Maranta, Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' is poisonous in all its parts.
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contains hydrocyanic acid-containing glycosides (especially in leaves and seeds)
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poisonous to cats, dogs, horses, and small animals
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poisonous to humans, especially children (avoid consuming the berries)
👉 When pruning the hedge, it is advisable to wear gardening gloves and dispose of the cuttings safely.
🧠 Other Care Tips
Cherry laurel loves a protected root area: A mulch layer of bark mulch or leaves retains moisture in the soil and provides nutrients long-term. Brown leaves after winter are often not frostbite but a sign of soil that is too dry (winter desiccation) – therefore, don't forget to grab the watering can on mild winter days.
✅ Conclusion
With its attractive, dense appearance and extreme vigor, Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' is an excellent choice for any property boundary. It is easy to care for, perfectly suited for dense hedges or as a container plant, and creates a cozy, peaceful outdoor atmosphere. Let this beautiful plant beautify your garden or terrace year-round.