Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' 100-125cm

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' Care Guide

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia,' commonly known as Cherry Laurel, is a robust and evergreen shrub perfect for hedging and screening in gardens. Its dense, glossy green foliage provides year-round privacy, and its fast growth rate makes it a popular choice for creating structured boundaries. When planted at a height of 100-125cm, 'Rotundifolia' is ideal for starting a hedge that will soon provide both beauty and function.

In this care guide, you’ll find essential tips for ensuring your Cherry Laurel thrives, as well as maintenance advice to keep it healthy and attractive for years to come.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia'

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is known for its adaptability, making it suitable for various garden conditions. With proper care, this shrub will grow quickly into a dense hedge or standalone plant.

• Location: Cherry Laurel prefers full sun to partial shade, but it will also tolerate full shade, making it incredibly versatile. It's a good choice for spots that receive varying amounts of light.
• Soil: This shrub thrives in well-drained soil but is not fussy about the soil type, tolerating loam, clay, and sandy soils. It can also grow in chalky or slightly alkaline soils.
• Watering: During the first year after planting, regular watering is essential to help the shrub establish deep roots. After establishment, it becomes fairly drought-resistant but will appreciate extra watering during prolonged dry periods.

Watering and Feeding Requirements

Providing the correct watering and feeding routine for your Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' will encourage strong growth and vibrant foliage.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment phase (the first year). Water at least once a week, more frequently during dry or hot spells. After the first year, it can tolerate drier conditions but should still be watered during extended dry periods.
• Feeding: Fertilize in early spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. A second light application can be made in mid-summer to encourage additional growth. Organic compost or mulch applied around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and provide slow-releasing nutrients.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is important to maintain its shape and encourage thicker growth, especially if it’s being used as a hedge.

• Pruning: Prune once or twice a year, ideally in early spring and late summer. This keeps the hedge looking neat and encourages bushier growth. The shrub responds well to pruning and can be cut back hard if necessary.
• Hedging: If using 'Rotundifolia' for a hedge, it’s recommended to keep a width of 60-100cm between each plant when establishing a row. This allows room for the plants to grow into a dense hedge.
• Winter care: Cherry Laurel is frost-hardy and can withstand cold winters. However, applying a layer of mulch around the base in autumn helps insulate the roots from extreme cold.

Height and Spread

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' can grow quite tall and wide, making it perfect for privacy hedging and screening.

• Height: When mature, Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' can reach heights of 4-5 meters (13-16 feet), though it can be easily maintained at a lower height with regular pruning.
• Spread: This shrub has a spread of around 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) at maturity, providing excellent coverage for hedges or borders.

Light and Temperature Preferences

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of light conditions.

• Light: It tolerates full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. However, for the best growth, a position with some direct sunlight is ideal.
• Temperature: This shrub is hardy in zones 6-9 and can withstand cold temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). It's ideal for gardens in temperate climates but can adapt to harsher conditions with minimal protection.

Common Pests and Diseases

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but occasional issues may arise.

• Pests: Aphids, vine weevils, and scale insects can sometimes attack this plant. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used to control infestations. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs will also help keep pests at bay.
• Diseases: Cherry Laurel can sometimes suffer from powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation, proper watering, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these fungal diseases.

Propagation

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings.

• Semi-hardwood cuttings: Take cuttings from the current season’s growth in late summer or early autumn. Plant them in well-drained soil and keep them moist until they root.
• Seeds: Though propagation by seed is possible, it is a slower process. Collect seeds in autumn and plant them in pots or directly in the ground for germination the following spring.

How to Use Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' in Your Garden

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is extremely versatile, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of garden uses.

• Hedging: This shrub’s dense, evergreen foliage makes it ideal for creating tall, lush hedges for privacy or screening.
• Specimen planting: It can also be planted as a standalone feature in the garden, where its glossy foliage adds year-round interest.
• Borders and screening: 'Rotundifolia' works well in borders and as natural screening to divide garden spaces or block unsightly views.

Maintenance Tips for Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia'

• Water regularly during establishment: Keep the soil moist for the first year to help the shrub establish a strong root system.
• Prune to shape: Regular pruning ensures a neat shape and encourages bushy growth, especially in hedge form.
• Feed annually: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth.
• Check for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for aphids and fungal issues, and address problems early.

Conclusion

Prunus l. 'Rotundifolia' is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to create an attractive and functional hedge or stand-alone feature. Its glossy evergreen leaves and dense growth make it a valuable addition to any garden. With its adaptability to various light and soil conditions, ease of maintenance, and frost-hardiness, this shrub will reward you with years of reliable beauty and structure. Follow the simple care instructions above to ensure your 'Rotundifolia' thrives in your garden for years to come

• Size
  100- 125cm C10 ltr - P27

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.