Genolia laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’) is a modern cherry laurel cultivar bred for a more compact, upright growth habit than traditional laurel varieties. It’s becoming a popular choice for Irish gardens where a fast-growing evergreen screen is needed but space is at a premium. This guide covers what makes Genolia different, how it compares to common and Portuguese laurel, and how to plant and care for it.
If you’re choosing between laurel varieties, here’s how Genolia compares to the two most popular alternatives:
| Genolia Laurel | Common Laurel | Portuguese Laurel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth rate | Fast — up to 2ft per year | Fast — often the fastest of the three | Slower, more measured (30–50cm/year) |
| Habit | Compact, upright, narrower spread | Broad, spreading, needs more width | Neat and formal, smaller leaves |
| Disease resistance | Bred for strong resistance to shot hole and bacterial leaf spot | More prone to shot hole and leaf spot in damp conditions | Generally good, tolerant of drier soils |
| Best for | Smaller gardens or narrow boundaries where a full-size laurel would outgrow the space | Larger boundaries with room to spread | Formal hedging, coastal or drier sites |
In short: if you want the fast growth and screening power of a laurel hedge without it eventually needing a lot of width, Genolia is bred specifically to solve that problem. Ready to buy? See our Genolia laurel hedging plants, available in 3L pots, 50–60cm.
Bareroot Genolia laurel is planted in the winter months, from November to March. Potted plants, with an established root system, can be planted all year round.
Plant Genolia laurel 3 per metre in a single row. Its narrower habit means it can be planted slightly closer than traditional laurel varieties for a quicker screening effect — don’t plant in a double row.
If planting late into spring, keep the hedge well watered over summer, particularly in dry spells. For more detail on planting and staking, see our guide to planting small garden trees.
Consistent watering matters most in the first year. Our Soaker Hoses give newly planted hedging a steady, direct water supply at the roots. For feeding, our Organic Chicken Manure Pellets release nutrients slowly and support healthy growth through the season.
Genolia can be pruned in late summer or autumn to keep a neat shape — trimming actually encourages denser growth. Leave a newly planted hedge alone for the first year or two, then trim the sides only to encourage bushiness before shaping the top once it reaches your desired height. Always check for nesting birds before cutting.
What is Genolia laurel?
Genolia (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Genolia’) is a modern cherry laurel cultivar bred for a more compact, upright growth habit than traditional laurel, with narrower, glossy dark green leaves and strong disease resistance.
Is Genolia laurel better than common laurel?
For smaller gardens or narrower boundaries, yes — Genolia gives you the same fast-growing, evergreen screening as common laurel, but in a neater, less spreading form, with better disease resistance. Common laurel still makes sense where you have the space for a wider, more traditional hedge.
How far apart should I plant Genolia laurel?
3 per metre in a single row.
How fast does Genolia laurel grow?
Up to around 2ft (60cm) per year once established, though growth is slower in the first year after planting while the roots settle in.
If you’re exploring other evergreen hedging varieties, consider:
Ready to plant? Shop our Genolia laurel hedging plants — 3L pots, 50–60cm, available with nationwide delivery.
Bare-root season is coming!
Thanks for visiting Cullen Nurseries. Our bare-root and rootballed harvest begins in November, when the trees and hedging are fully dormant and ready to lift.
You can order now to secure your plants.
Lifting fresh from our fields to order means your plants reach you in the best possible condition, ready to plant.
Potted plants are available all year round and can be dispatched now.
Questions? Call us or WhatsApp us, and we’re always happy to help.
