High Quality Laurel Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Laurel Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Laurel trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Laurel trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Laurels

1. How tall do Prunus laurel get?

The height of a Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel or English laurel, depends on the variety and growing conditions. However, most Prunus laurel varieties can reach heights of 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) when mature. Some varieties, such as Otto Luyken and Schipkaensis, are considered dwarf varieties and typically grow to only 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) tall.

Prunus laurel trees are fast-growing and can reach their full height within 5 to 10 years. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, but they can tolerate a wide range of conditions. With proper care, Prunus laurel trees can live for many years, making them a popular choice for hedges and screens.

Here are some factors that can affect the height of a Prunus laurel tree:

• Variety: Some varieties, such as Otto Luyken and Schipkaensis, are naturally shorter than others.
• Growing conditions: Trees that receive full sun and well-drained soil are more likely to reach their full height.
• Pruning: Regular pruning can help to control the height of a Prunus laurel tree.

If you are concerned about the height of a Prunus laurel tree, you can consult with a local nursery or arborist to choose a variety that is appropriate for your growing conditions. You can also prune the tree regularly to control its height.

2. Is Prunus the same as laurel?

Prunus and laurel are not the same. Prunus is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, which includes cherry, peach, plum, and apricot trees. Laurel, on the other hand, is a common name for several different plants, including the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), a native of the Mediterranean region, and the cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), a native of southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe.

The bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is the true laurel, and its leaves have been used in cooking and medicine for centuries. The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is not closely related to the bay laurel, but it is often used as a substitute because of its similar leaves.

3. What are the pros and cons of cherry laurel hedge?

Cherry laurel hedges are a popular choice for privacy screens and windbreaks due to their fast-growing nature, dense foliage, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. However, they also have some potential drawbacks that should be considered before planting.

Pros of cherry laurel hedges:

• Fast-growing: Cherry laurel hedges can grow up to 60 cm per year, making them a quick and effective way to establish a privacy screen or windbreak.
• Dense foliage: Cherry laurel hedges have dense, glossy green foliage that provides year-round privacy and screening.
• Adaptability: Cherry laurel hedges can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline, and are relatively drought-tolerant.
• Low-maintenance: Cherry laurel hedges require minimal pruning and maintenance, making them a relatively easy-to-care-for option.
• Pest and disease resistant: Cherry laurel hedges are generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

Cons of cherry laurel hedges:

• Toxicity: All parts of the cherry laurel plant, including the leaves, berries, and bark, are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
• Invasive potential: Cherry laurel hedges can become invasive in some regions, spreading into natural areas and displacing native plants.
• Allelopathy: Cherry laurel hedges can release chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants nearby.
• Susceptibility to cold damage: Cherry laurel hedges can be damaged by severe cold, and may not thrive in areas with harsh winters.
• Pruning requirements: While low-maintenance, cherry laurel hedges do require occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size.

Overall, cherry laurel hedges can be a valuable addition to a landscape, providing privacy, screening, and wind protection. However, it is important to be aware of their potential drawbacks, such as toxicity and invasive potential, before planting. If you are concerned about these issues, you may want to consider alternative hedge plants that do not pose these risks.

4. How big do cherry laurels get?

The size of cherry laurels depends on the variety and growing conditions. However, most cherry laurel varieties can reach heights of 4.5 to 9 m when mature. Some varieties, such as Otto Luyken and Schipkaensis, are considered dwarf varieties and typically grow to 1.8 to 3 metres tall.

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel or English laurel, is an evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall, with a spread of up to 6 metres. It has glossy, dark green leaves and flowers in spring that are white and fragrant.

5. How quickly does cherry laurel grow?

Cherry laurel is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that can grow 15-60 cm per year. It is one of the fastest-growing evergreen shrubs available, making it a popular choice for hedges and screens. Cherry laurels can reach their full height within 5 to 10 years.

The growth rate of cherry laurel can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Soil type: Cherry laurels prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They may grow more slowly in poor soils or soils with extreme pH levels.
• Sunlight: Cherry laurels prefer full sun to partial shade. They may grow more slowly in areas with deep shade.
• Water: Cherry laurels are drought-tolerant, but they will grow best with regular watering. They may grow more slowly during periods of drought.
• Fertilizer: Cherry laurels should be fertilized annually with a balanced fertilizer. They may grow more slowly if they are not fertilized properly.

6. Can you plant cherry laurel close to a house?

Planting cherry laurel close to a house may not be the best idea due to several reasons:

• Root damage: Cherry laurels have a shallow, aggressive root system that can spread widely and damage nearby structures, including foundations of houses and driveways. The roots can also interfere with underground pipes and utilities.
• Overgrowth: Cherry laurels can grow quickly and densely, potentially reaching heights of 7-10 m and widths of 3-5 m. This can block sunlight from reaching windows and doors, making the house feel darker and less inviting. The dense foliage can also trap moisture against the walls, increasing the risk of mould and mildew growth.
• Allelopathic effects: Cherry laurels are known to release chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants nearby. This can harm other plants in your garden or lawn, especially if they are shallow-rooted or sensitive to allelopathic effects.
• Maintenance requirements: Cherry laurels require regular pruning to maintain their shape and size, and to prevent them from becoming overgrown. Pruning near a house can be difficult and hazardous, and it can also increase the risk of damaging the house's exterior.

If you're considering planting cherry laurels, it's generally recommended to plant them at least 3-5 m away from your house to minimize potential problems. Consider alternative hedge plants that are less invasive and require less maintenance, such as boxwood, privet, or holly. These plants can provide privacy and screening without posing the same risks as cherry laurels.

7. How close to a fence can I plant cherry laurel?

The recommended distance between a cherry laurel plant and a fence depends on the size of the cherry laurel variety, the desired level of privacy, and the potential for root damage. For smaller cherry laurel varieties, such as Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' or 'Schipkaensis', a distance of 3-4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) from the fence should provide enough space for the plant to grow without overwhelming the fence or causing damage to the structure.

For larger cherry laurel varieties, such as Prunus laurocerasus 'Newport' or 'Herbertia', a distance of 4-6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) is recommended to accommodate their growth and prevent root damage to the fence.

If you prioritize a dense hedge that provides maximum privacy, you can plant cherry laurel plants closer together, with a spacing of 2-3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) between plants. This will create a dense, thick hedge to provide privacy.