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Laurel Prunus laurocerasus is more than just a plant for hedging
You may not have thought of growing a Cherry Laurel in your garden but the large shiny leaves and its hardy evergreen nature make it an ideal choice for the UK’s unpredictable weather.
Prunus laurocerasus thrives in most any type of situation and is very resilient. One of the most commonly grown Common Laurel or Cherry Laurel in Britain is ‘Rotundifolia’ which is used to provide hedging. It is however shown off to its best on its own.
Prunus laurocerasus, Common Cherry Laurel
Laurel with frost and snow
Hardy and evergreen in very cold winters
This should be one of your backbone plants grown in your garden as it provides year round interest. It’s tough and there are enough varieties to find one that suits most situations. The leaves remain green throughout winter and have been proven to withstand very low temperatures and long period of cold and damp.
The unusual and distinctive p.laurocerasus ‘Marbled White’ has marbled white and green variegated leaves as seen in the pictures. The red coloured new growth of ‘Etna’ is also very distinctive and adds interest.
Pruning Prunus laurocerasus
This is a plant that requires very little care and is ideal for a low maintenance garden or part of an evergreen garden. It requires very little attention and can be pruned to shape for hedging or as a standard which can look effective. Pruning the new growth will encourage new leaf growth and denser foliage. Lifting the foliage by removing the lower branches will create a more exotic look and allow room to underplant.
red orange new growth
prunus laurocerasus from above
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Marbled White’
marbled white leaf closeup
Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus varieties
Various cultivars are available in the UK:
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Castlewellan’ or ‘Marbled White’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Longifolia’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Etna’ – red new growth
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Batumi Rubies’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Magnoliifolia’ syn. Latifolia – largest leaf size, tree form
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Mount Vernon’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Nana’ – dwarf
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ – semi-dwarf
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ – low growing
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Zabeliana’ – wide spreading
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Reynvaanii’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Van Nes’ – low growing
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’ – upright erect growth habit
Marbled white Laurel
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If you’re in the UK, then this Peach variety is a fantastic option to grow.
Prunus Persica Melred’s compact size makes it great for small gardens, with an eventual height of about 2m. So, you don’t need a step ladder to reach its delicious fruits. Even more, asides from planting it in your garden, you can grow it in a container on your patio – it grows well in both environments.
Another thing is that Prunus Persica Melred starts fruiting at a young age – it fruits after you plant it for a year or two. More so, its crops increase in size every year until it is mature. Prunus Sunset Boulevard is also a nice example.
With Prunus Persica Melred in your garden, it will dazzle in spring with displays of stunning deep red-pink flowers – the fruits follow later in the year.
Also, because this plant is self-fertile, you don’t need a second tree for pollination – comes in handy with modern smaller gardens where there’s space for just one tree.
How to grow Prunus Persica Melred
You should grow your Prunus Persica Melred in full sun if you want it to thrive. Also, ensure the flowers are protected using horticultural fleece.
Even though it is best grown as fan-trained, you can still grow this plant as a free-standing bush – a great option if you’re in the south of England.
What else? Wait till Autumn to plant out container or newly grown trees – the soil is warm during this period and helps improve root development.
Where should I position Prunus Persica Melred in my garden?
Asides from planting Prunus Persica Melred in a pot in your cottage, you can also try growing it in your garden or wall-side borders. Whichever option you go for, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty and juicy fruits from this plant.
What kind of soil does Prunus Persica Melred need?
Prunus Persica Melred grows well in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Also, note that your tree won’t grow properly if it’s in clay-like or compacted soil – it needs moist soil throughout the growing season, as well as an acidic pH between 6-6.5.