Cherry Laurel

How to grow Cherry Laurel

Written by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant autumn or spring, spacing hedging about 60–90 cm apart. It is one of the few evergreens that will make a dense screen in deep dry shade, and it grows fast — which is both why people plant it and why they regret it.

Pruning

Trim in late spring or summer. Use secateurs rather than a hedge trimmer if you can face it: shearing cuts the large leaves in half and leaves brown ragged edges for weeks. It regenerates well from hard cutting into old wood.

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer root very easily, as do hardwood cuttings in autumn.

Pests and diseases

Shot hole is very common, leaving small round holes in the leaves; it is largely cosmetic. Powdery mildew affects young growth, and vine weevil grubs can damage plants in containers.

Value to wildlife

Provides dense nesting cover and the flowers are worked by bees, but the dark evergreen canopy suppresses ground flora and the shrub supports few native invertebrates.

Notes

Berries are spread by birds and seedlings appear readily, and cherry laurel has become invasive in woodland in parts of the UK — do not plant it near semi-natural woodland, and dispose of prunings responsibly. All parts are known to be poisonous, so check its toxicity before planting where children or pets have access, and note that the cut foliage releases cyanide compounds and should not be composted in a confined space.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Prunus laurocerasus but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

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