Laurel is also known as Cherry Laurel or Common Laurel. Its botanical name is Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’.
Step One
Laurel is an excellent plant for hedging and screening. It is evergreen and quick growing, infact, Laurel is the fastest growing evergreen hedging plant that isn't a conifer (i.e. Leylandii or Thuja), so if you want a fast growing hedge that's evergreen but don't want a Leylandii hedge then Laurel will may be the best option for you. The leaves are large, shiny and bright green. You can keep a laurel hedge at any height by trimming it once a year. If it does get too big, it can be pruned hard back and will re-shoot from 'old wood' (i.e. wood with no leaves), infact, you can prune it right back to the stump and it will re-shoot. Our larger sizes of Laurel will form a good 'instant hedge' if planted close enough together.
Step Two
Laurel Hedging will grow in any free-draining soil except shallow chalk. It will grow in full sun but also in shade, you often see it planted under tree canopies. Infact, Laurel is one of the best evergreen hedging plants for shade. Rate of growth: up to 60cm per year. Eventual height of Laurel if not trimmed: 5m (15ft).
Step Three
Plant Laurel 2-3ft (60-90cm) apart depending on how quick you want the hedge to "fill in".