Unlike many other garden favorites, cherry laurel is actually a big fan of the shade. In fact, many varieties prefer a spot away from the direct sun. If you’re looking to add some greenery to those darker corners of your yard, here’s everything you need to know about what this plant needs to thrive.
The Perfect Spot for Your Cherry Laurel
If your garden tends to get a bit breezy, you’ll definitely want to tuck your cherry laurel into a shady, sheltered spot. Since these are evergreens, their leaves stay on all year long, which means they’re constantly losing moisture through their foliage—even in the dead of winter. If they’re stuck in a sunny spot during a freeze, the leaves can actually get scorched or damaged. Planting them in the shade is a great way to lower that risk and keep them looking lush.
Cherry laurels are perfect for:
- Shady spots protected from the wind
- Planting under large trees
- Growing in large containers or pots
Because they have deep roots and love the shade, they are fantastic for “underplanting” beneath tall trees. They’ll happily grow in spots where most other plants would struggle to survive. Plus, they’re pretty low-maintenance! Just make sure they have the right nutrients by using high-quality soil or a good fertilizer.
Yes, They Even Bloom in the Shade!
One of the coolest things about the cherry laurel is that it will still produce flowers in the shade. That’s pretty rare in the plant world! Starting in May, you can enjoy the sweet fragrance of its blossoms, even in the darker parts of your garden.
Just a quick heads-up for parents and pet owners: almost all parts of the cherry laurel are toxic. If you have little ones running around and you’re worried they might be tempted by the dark berries, there’s an easy fix. Just prune off the spent flowers once they start to fade. No flowers means no berries, and you can enjoy your beautiful hedge with total peace of mind.
