Prunus laurocerasus Hedge Plants Description
Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' produces modest white flowers in spring and red berries in autumn, but both are insignificant, as this Laurel hedging species is chosen for its vibrant foliage. Cherry Laurel cell grown and pot grown plants are available all year round. Bare-root plants are only available from November to late April/early May. Root Balls are available from mid-October to mid-April.
Cherry Laurel growth rate is relatively fast at approx 30/60cm making it an economical way to achieve a good height for an evergreen hedge. It should be trimmed to shape in spring or autumn.
Laurel hedging is resilient and is easy to grow, including in dense shade. However, this hedge plant is not the most suitable choice for seaside gardens or alkaline soil. Like most Laurel hedging species (other than Bay Laurel), the leaves and berries of Cherry Laurel are harmful if eaten.
Prunus laurocerasus is by far the most popular fast-growing of all Laurel hedges. However, if you are looking for an alternative to Cherry Laurel, we recommend, Portuguese Laurel, Spotted Laurel, Laurel Etna, Compact Laurel, Laurel Caucasica and Bay Laurel. All of these Laurel hedging types are available to buy on our website. In addition, we supply an extensive range of high-quality evergreen hedging, which make fantastic alternatives to Laurel Hedging. For more information about Laurel hedging, have a read of our guide to Laurel hedging.
Please note that there is a minimum order requirement of five plants for the extra tall root balls due to the specialised delivery required. Due to their extreme size and weight, these hedging plants need to be transported via articulated lorry and require a forklift to remove from the truck and into place for planting. A forklift icon on the listings indicates these products..
You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed next to the products below. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our
planting density advice section.
Should you need to hard-prune your Cherry/Common Laurel, then March is the time to do this.
Established plants that have become woody can even be taken down to ground level and will come back looking refreshed.
General hedge trimming should be done twice a year, once in early June and again in late September.
It is important to prune at the right time, so as not to remove new growing shoots. You can of course leave Cherry Laurel without pruning - which many people choose to do - as the thick, lush leaves can look tatty if too regularly trimmed.
Free delivery is available on all orders providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| Small Box (Bare Roots up to 1.2m) | £18 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Box (Pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £18 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Large/Tall Box (Tall bare roots 1.2m +) | £24 delivery charge (orders up to £120 incl VAT) | Orders of £120 and over - FREE |
| Pallet (Root balls, large pots, trees etc) | £60 delivery charge (orders up to £240 incl VAT) | Orders of £240 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the
Delivery Information Page It's Quick! - Please note that orders will currently be dispatched within 7-10 working days. (See our product pages for specific delivery info)
Next Day Delivery is Available - We can offer next day delivery on eligible species and sizes for an additional £12 incl VAT. Call
01257 263 873 to find out if your order is eligible.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time)
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart
after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our
Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
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