Description
Laurel Rotundifolia Hedging Plants
Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’) is one of the most popular evergreen hedging plants grown in Ireland. Fast growing, hardy and vigorous, it produces large, rounded, glossy dark green leaves and can grow by up to approximately 2ft 6in per year once established in good conditions.
Rotundifolia is an excellent choice where you want to create a dense evergreen hedge relatively quickly. Its broad foliage provides year-round screening and privacy and can also help provide shelter from wind and reduce the impact of road and background noise.
It is adaptable to a wide range of Irish garden conditions and can grow in both sun and shade.
Laurel Rotundifolia at a Glance
- Type: Fast-growing evergreen hedging plant
- Botanical name: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’
- Growth rate: Up to approximately 2ft 6in per year once established
- Foliage: Large, rounded, glossy dark green leaves
- Position: Full sun, partial shade or shade
- Soil: Prefers moist, fertile and reasonably well-drained soil
- Hardiness: Hardy and tolerant of a wide range of conditions
- Flowering: White flowers can appear on mature plants in spring
- Bare-root planting season: November to March
- Spacing: Usually 2-3 plants per metre depending on plant size
- Uses: Privacy, screening, boundaries, shelter and evergreen coverage
Why Choose Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia?
The main advantage of Laurel Rotundifolia hedging is its vigorous growth and ability to form a thick evergreen screen.
The large glossy leaves give the hedge a lush appearance throughout the year, making Rotundifolia particularly useful for garden boundaries, screening neighbouring properties and creating privacy along roads or driveways.
It also responds well to regular trimming, so despite its vigorous growth it can be maintained as a neat garden hedge at the required height and width.
Where to Plant Laurel Rotundifolia
Laurel Rotundifolia is adaptable and can be grown in full sun, partial shade and shaded positions.
It performs best in reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil, although it will tolerate a range of soil conditions once established.
Before planting, clear grass and weeds from the planting area. This reduces competition for moisture and nutrients and helps young Laurel plants establish more quickly.
When to Plant Laurel Rotundifolia
Bare-root Laurel Rotundifolia is normally planted from November through to March while the plants are dormant.
Potted Laurel Rotundifolia can be planted throughout the year provided ground and weather conditions are suitable.
If planting potted Laurel during spring or summer, regular watering is particularly important while the new root system becomes established.
How Far Apart Should Laurel Rotundifolia Be Planted?
The correct spacing depends partly on the size and maturity of the plants you’re buying.
As a general guide, Laurel Rotundifolia is planted at approximately 2-3 plants per metre in a single row.
For our strong, bushy 2L potted Laurel Rotundifolia, we recommend approximately 3 plants per metre, or around 13 inches apart, to create a dense hedge.
Larger, bushier potted plants can be spaced further apart at approximately 2 plants per metre, or around 18 inches apart.
We recommend planting Laurel in a single row rather than a staggered double row.
How to Plant Laurel Rotundifolia Hedging
Good ground preparation will help your new Laurel hedge establish quickly.
- Clear grass, weeds and other competing vegetation from the planting area.
- Dig a trench approximately 9 inches deep and loosen the surrounding soil.
- Position the plants at the appropriate spacing for the plant size.
- Spread bare roots naturally rather than bending or compressing them.
- Return loose soil around the roots and firm each plant securely into the ground.
- Water thoroughly after planting where conditions require it.
- Keep the base of the hedge clear of grass and weeds while the plants establish.
After particularly windy weather, check newly planted bare-root hedging. If any plants have moved or become loose, firm the soil around them again to ensure the roots remain in good contact with the surrounding soil.
A layer of bark mulch can also help suppress weeds and retain moisture around the roots.
Watering and Aftercare
The first year is generally the slowest period for a newly planted Laurel hedge while the plants establish their root systems. Once established, the growth rate should increase considerably.
Newly planted Laurel should be monitored during dry weather and watered thoroughly when required, particularly following spring planting or during prolonged periods of warm weather.
Keeping grass and weeds away from the base of the plants is one of the simplest ways to reduce competition and encourage stronger early growth.
Pruning Laurel Rotundifolia
Rotundifolia responds very well to pruning, and regular trimming helps encourage dense, bushy growth.
During the first year or two, allow the hedge to establish and concentrate mainly on lightly trimming the sides where necessary. Once the desired height has been reached, the top can also be trimmed to maintain the required shape.
Late summer or autumn is commonly used for general maintenance trimming. Always check the hedge carefully for active bird nests before carrying out any cutting.
You can also watch our Laurel hedge trimming video.
Cherry Laurel, Portuguese Laurel or Genolia?
There are several Laurel varieties available, and the best choice depends on the type of hedge you want to create.
Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia has large leaves and vigorous, broad growth. It is particularly suitable where fast, dense evergreen screening is the main priority.
Portuguese Laurel has smaller dark green leaves and a more refined appearance, making it particularly attractive for formal hedging.
Genolia Laurel has a narrower, more upright growth habit and is particularly useful for smaller gardens and boundaries where hedge width is important.
Compare our full range of Laurel Hedging Plants to find the best variety for your garden.
Laurel Rotundifolia FAQs
Is Laurel Rotundifolia evergreen?
Yes. Laurel Rotundifolia is evergreen and retains its large glossy green leaves throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for year-round screening and privacy.
How fast does Laurel Rotundifolia grow?
Once established in suitable conditions, Laurel Rotundifolia can grow by up to approximately 2ft 6in per year.
How many Laurel plants do I need per metre?
Generally, Laurel Rotundifolia is planted at approximately 2-3 plants per metre depending on plant size. We recommend around 3 per metre for our 2L potted plants, while larger bushier plants can be spaced at approximately 2 per metre.
When can I plant Laurel Rotundifolia?
Bare-root Laurel is normally planted from November through to March. Potted Laurel can be planted throughout the year when ground and weather conditions are suitable.
Does Laurel Rotundifolia grow in shade?
Yes. Laurel Rotundifolia can grow in full sun, partial shade and shaded positions, making it a useful hedging choice for sites where light levels vary along the boundary.
Is Laurel Rotundifolia good for privacy?
Yes. Its fast growth, large evergreen leaves and ability to develop into a dense hedge make Rotundifolia particularly well suited to privacy and screening.
What is the difference between Cherry Laurel and Portuguese Laurel?
Cherry Laurel Rotundifolia has larger leaves and generally grows faster and broader. Portuguese Laurel has smaller, darker foliage and a neater appearance, making it particularly popular for more formal hedging.
What’s the difference between Rotundifolia and Genolia Laurel?
Rotundifolia is vigorous and broad-growing, making it particularly useful for fast screening. Genolia has a naturally narrower and more upright growth habit, making it easier to maintain where space is limited.
More Advice on Laurel Hedging
Watch our video guide to planting Laurel Rotundifolia for a practical demonstration.
You can also browse all Laurel Hedging Plants available from Cullen Nurseries and compare the different varieties and sizes.


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