With its lush, glossy foliage, cherry laurel is the perfect canvas for topiary. If you use the right techniques, you’ll soon have a garden centerpiece that looks like it belongs in a manicured Baroque estate—guaranteed to turn your neighbors’ heads. Here is everything you need to know to get started.
Timing and Technique for the Perfect Shape
Whether you’re dreaming of a classic sphere, a sharp pyramid, or even a sleek rectangular block, cherry laurel is incredibly versatile. You can even get creative with more complex figures if you’re feeling adventurous! Just keep in mind that topiary requires a bit of commitment. Instead of doing one massive hack-job once a year, it’s much better to give the plant a light trim several times throughout the season. It takes a little more time, but the polished, professional result is well worth the effort.
Your Topiary Schedule:
- Give the plant its first trim right after the blooming period.
- During this first session, establish the basic outline or contour you want.
- Head back out in July for a second maintenance trim.
- Give it a final touch-up in August or September to keep it looking sharp for winter.
Pro Tips for Pruning Your Cherry Laurel
Because cherry laurel is such a fast grower, it’s very forgiving. You can prune it back quite hard, and it will bounce right back with fresh growth. However, there are a few “golden rules” to follow. First, pick your day wisely: a dry, overcast day is perfect. Avoid pruning in direct, scorching sunlight, as the intense UV rays can actually “burn” the freshly cut edges and leaves.
Always use sharp, clean tools. If you can, give them a quick disinfection before you start to keep the plant healthy. When you’re actually cutting, work from the inside out and from the top down. For that very first shaping session, prune the branches back to the healthy growth from the previous year. This encourages the plant to branch out right at the cut, leading to a much denser, fuller look—which is exactly what you want for a stunning topiary!
