Herbergii

Season Overview

Description

The laurel cherry (Prunus laurocerasus), also known as the Pontic laurel cherry or cherry laurel, is a plant species from the rose family (Rosaceae). It is a popular and widespread ornamental shrub. The plant owes its name to the similarity in shape and color of its leaves to laurel leaves. The laurel cherry is an evergreen shrub or tree with large elliptical leaves that can grow to a height of up to 7 meters. From April to June, the cherry laurel produces delicate white, fragrant flower candles, which later develop into shiny, egg-shaped to roundish, fleshy cherries. All parts of the laurel cherry plant are poisonous. The cherry laurel is largely worthless to native insects. The fruits are eaten by some bird species. The cherry stones excreted with the droppings spread the cherry laurel and threaten native ecosystems as an invasive plant. The planting of laurel cherries is therefore ecologically very questionable. Cherry laurel 'Herbergii' is a robust evergreen shrub that grows up to 4m high. It is characterized by narrow, elongated dark green leaves with black spots on the underside. From May to June, the cherry laurel 'Herbergii' impresses with small, white, clustered flowers.

Growing tips

The best time to plant cherry laurel is in the fall between the end of August and the beginning of September. When propagating by sowing, the seeds should soak for 2 to 3 weeks at approx. 3-4°C (cold germination). Germination takes up to four months. The evergreen plant is very undemanding. The cherry laurel thrives in sunny, semi-shady and shady spots. The plant is not fussy when it comes to soil either. The only thing to avoid is waterlogging. As soon as the surface of the soil has dried out, the cherry laurel should be watered generously (deep-rooted). Once or twice a year (before new shoots appear in spring and in May/June), fertilizing with mature compost or organic slow-release fertilizer is recommended. Cherry laurel should be pruned regularly. The best time is directly after flowering. Fast-growing varieties can also be pruned more severely in February. The plant also tolerates radical pruning well. Cherry laurel 'Herbergii' is well suited for planting in hedges. However, it is also a convincing solitary plant and can be cultivated well in containers. This variety thrives in sunny to shady locations and on all soils. It is very undemanding and tolerates pruning well.

Details

Germination temperature

15 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

100 cm

Row spacing

100 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm