Cherry laurel is famous for its gorgeous, deep green foliage. When those leaves really start to fill in, they create a stunning hedge that doubles as a perfect natural privacy screen. If you want to get the most out of your plants, here’s how to give them a little extra love so you can enjoy a lush, leafy wall in your backyard.
Boosting Natural Leaf Growth on Your Cherry Laurel
To get that thick, vibrant foliage, you’ve got to keep your plants happy. First things first: location is key. Make sure your laurel is in the right spot and isn’t getting scorched by too much direct sun. You also want to ensure the soil is nutrient-rich—keep an eye out for potassium deficiencies! Using the right fertilizer will go a long way in helping your hedge grow nice and dense.
Keep these factors in mind:
- Choosing the right location
- Providing plenty of nutrients
- Regular watering
- Proper pruning techniques
Pruning at the right time is actually a secret weapon for a thicker hedge. You’ll want to wait until the cherry laurel finishes blooming. Once those flowers start to fade—usually around late May—it’s time to snip them off. By deadheading the spent blooms, you’re telling the plant to stop wasting energy on old flowers and start pumping that sap into fresh, green leaf growth instead.
Shape Your Hedge for Maximum Density
Beyond just a post-bloom cleanup, you can also give your cherry laurel a structural trim. This helps the hedge take on a beautiful, tidy shape and encourages the leaves to fill in exactly where you want them. Don’t be afraid to remove branches that are growing sideways or “off-script.” Over time, this creates a full, bushy look that really levels up your garden’s aesthetic.
One pro tip: always use manual hand pruners (secateurs) rather than electric hedge trimmers. Electric trimmers tend to shred the large leaves, leaving ugly brown edges behind. Not only does that look messy, but those torn leaves can actually leave the plant vulnerable to pests and diseases. Stick to hand tools for a clean cut and a healthy hedge!
