Originally hailing from Asia, Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) isn’t always 100% hardy across every single variety. However, most of the types you’ll find at your local garden center are pretty tough and can handle freezing temperatures just fine. If you’re wondering how to keep your evergreens looking lush when the mercury drops, here’s the lowdown on winter care.
These Varieties Can Handle the Cold
Different Cherry Laurel varieties have different “comfort zones” when it comes to winter. If you live somewhere with mild winters, you can pretty much take your pick. But even if you’re facing a polar vortex with temps dropping toward -5°F, many varieties will pull through just fine. As long as those deep freezes don’t last forever, your plants have a great shot at bouncing back.
If you live in a colder climate, look for these extra-hardy varieties:
- Angustifolia
- Etna
- Herbergii
- Otto Luyken
- Mount Vernon
Don’t worry if you have a different variety in your yard; they can still make it through with a little help. Because they grow as dense bushes or groundcovers, they actually provide themselves with a bit of built-in protection. Plus, with a few simple steps, you can give them the extra shield they need.
How to Protect Your Cherry Laurel
When a cold snap is on the horizon, Mother Nature’s best insulators are your best friends: fallen leaves and mulch. Spread a thick layer around the base of your plants to act as a thermal blanket for the root system. For younger, more vulnerable plants, you can tuck them in with some evergreen boughs. Just stick the branches into the soil so they don’t blow away, and they’ll act as a great windbreak and insulator.
If you’re growing Cherry Laurel in containers, you’ll need to be a bit more proactive. Pots don’t have the “insulation power” of the earth, so the roots feel the chill much faster. Move your potted plants to a spot sheltered from the wind, or wrap the containers in burlap or garden fleece to keep the root ball from freezing solid.
Winter Maintenance Tips
One thing many gardeners forget is that because Cherry Laurels keep their leaves all winter, they’re still “breathing” and losing moisture. That means you still need to water them! On days when the ground isn’t frozen, give them a drink. However, you can put the fertilizer away—there’s no need to feed them during their winter nap.
Once spring rolls around, do a quick “health check” for frost damage. Look for gray or dark spots on the branches or wilted, brittle shoots. Sometimes a late frost will cause early buds to drop off, too. If you see damage, don’t panic—just prune those bits away, cutting back until you hit healthy wood. Your Cherry Laurel will be pushing out new growth before you know it!
