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Cherry laurel is a beautiful hedge plant. Its fast, dense growth, glossy foliage and white flowers make it so popular. Cold, however, means great danger. What helps to do if cherry laurel froze?

In a nutshell

  • Frost endangers evergreen trees such as cherry laurel
  • leaves dry up
  • branches die off
  • Shrubs are bare from the inside
  • radical pruning can help

Popular hedge plant

If you are looking for suitable hedge plants today, you will definitely come across different cherry laurel variants. Prunus laurocerasus is extremely decorative. It impresses with delicate white or cream-colored flowers, the color of which comes into its own on the glossy dark green foliage. After flowering, the berry-like black cherries emerge. Birds love this treat.

Notice: The laurel cherry is considered to be poisonous in all parts of the plant.

Not all cherry laurel varieties are hardy. If it gets very cold in winter, frost damage can occur.

frost drought

Cold and at the same time very sunny winters are a danger for evergreen plants such as cherry laurel and rhododendron. The so-called frost drought can occur:

  1. Strong sunlight boosts photosynthesis and increases the evaporation of moisture from the leaves.
  2. When temperatures are low, the roots and channels are still frozen.
  3. The water cannot be transported to the leaves.

Result: The leaves and shoots die off.

Signs of frost damage are:

  • first yellow, then brown, withered leaves
  • dead shoots
  • Plant becomes bare from the inside

Notice: Did you know that evergreen plants roll up their leaves in winter to protect them from the cold and dehydration? To prevent frost drought, evergreen plants must be watered even in winter on frost-free days!

Help with frost damage

Don't worry, in most cases laurel cherries with frost damage can still be saved. Even if a large part of the leaves and shoots are frozen, the roots are usually not affected. With a vigorous pruning, you can bring the beautiful hedge plant back to life.

Notice: Even if the sight of the frozen cherry laurel is not pretty, you should wait a little longer before cutting it back. Only in May, after the ice saints, can the cutting measures be carried out without danger. Late frosts weaken the plant and can prevent new growth.

Pruning: instructions

Always make sure you have clean and sharp cutting tools!
  1. Clean and disinfect the cutting tool. Only use sharp secateurs or knives.
  2. Check which shoots have frozen and which can still be saved. To test, cut into a dry branch. When it's dry inside, you can cut it back completely.
  3. Remove any frozen shoots from the cherry laurel.
  4. Spoil the laurel bush with some compost or horn shavings after pruning. So he recovers quickly. Repot potted plants in new substrate.
  5. Water the pruned plant vigorously.

Hardy cherry laurel varieties

Attractive hardy cherry laurel varieties are now available. Some of them can tolerate temperatures down to minus 35 degrees. The varieties are particularly frost-resistant

  • cherry brandy
  • etc
  • Genolia
  • hostelii
  • Mount Vernon
  • Otto Luyken
Cherry laurel 'Otto Luyken'

frequently asked Questions

How can you prevent frost damage to cherry laurel?

With a layer of mulch about ten centimeters thick, you can protect the sensitive roots from the cold. Wrap the trunk of young plants with fir branches or jute. Water laurel cherries and all evergreen shrubs if the drought persists on frost-free days. A fleece is suitable for protecting the plants from the sun and cold. If possible, plant cherry laurel hedges in semi-shady or shady places. There they are better protected from the sun and thus also from frost drought.

How long does it take for the holes in the laurel hedge caused by frost to close again?

In the case of extensive damage and radical cutting measures, you have to be patient. It can take two to three years for the cherry laurel hedge to shine again in its old glory. Minor damage, on the other hand, is promptly forgotten. The plant grows very quickly.

How can laurel cherries be protected from frost in the tub?

The frost-sensitive laurel cherry varieties in particular are ideal for pot culture. When it gets cold outside, they move to sheltered winter quarters. Wrap the plant with the tub in bubble wrap, fleece or jute. Specialty sacks for winter protection are available from specialist retailers. Place the pot plant on an insulating base in a frost-free, bright room or in a sheltered spot near the wall of the house.

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Category:

Garden plants