Tough, shiny dark green foliage will reliably protect from noise, dust and unwanted prying glances.
If the plant has been damaged by frost, or bald spots in the crown begin to appear and the “legs” of the bush become exposed, then feel free to cut off everything that is above fifty centimeters from the ground level - young, lively shoots will not keep you waiting long for their appearance. True, you will need to re-form the bush.
- Height: 2-5 m
- Width: 1-3 m
- Classification by foliage type: evergreen shrub
- Optimal location: in the sun or partial shade
- Frost resistance: tolerates short frosts down to -20 ° C
- Soil: ordinary, calcareous garden soil
- Use: in hedges, borders, in the form of trimmed topiary figures
- Pruning period: in March and June (formative pruning), as well as in May and September (sanitary pruning)
Landing
This powerful shrub is most often used to create a hedge - prepare a trench 80 x 80 cm, the length is entirely at your discretion. Loosen the soil, add fertilizer for beautiful flowering ornamental shrubs to the hole, lightly mixing it with the soil. Place the bushes in the trench in increments of 80 cm. Cover with soil, without deepening the root collar and carefully compacting them to avoid the formation of air pockets.
Trimming
Formative pruning
Immediately after planting, shorten all shoots of the bush by half. In June, cut off all branches that are 80 cm above ground level.
In subsequent years, you will have to intervene with pruning shears twice a season - in March and June. Repeat the above steps until the hedge reaches the desired density and height.
Sanitary pruning
It is carried out in May and September and consists of removing shoots that disrupt the symmetry and neat contours of your plantings. It is preferable to cut with pruning shears rather than with garden shears, since the foliage in areas of damage turns yellow very quickly.
Reproduction
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings take root surprisingly quickly and easily - this is the optimal way to propagate an unpretentious shrub. Produced in September. Before planting in a warm and moist mixture of sand and peat, it is advisable to dip the cuttings in a root formation stimulator.
Surely, someone has seen unusual, rather tall shrubs in their garden plots that remain green even in severe frost. However, few people know that this is Laurel Cherry - an evergreen shrub, the leaves of which are widely used in both folk and traditional medicine. Let's take a closer look at this plant.
Botanical description of Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurel (lat. Prúnus) belongs to the evergreen crops of the Plum genus, the Rosaceae family. The height of the plant ranges from 2 to 7 meters. The main habitat is the temperate zone of America and Eurasia, as well as the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, Iran, Asia Minor.
In the wild, Laurel Cherry grows in the undergrowth of mountain broad-leaved coniferous forests, on the edges, at an altitude of up to 2400 m above sea level.
Laurel cherry leaves have an oblong shape. Their length reaches from 5 to 20 cm. The leaves are entire, leathery, dark green in color, shiny on top and matte below.
Small white flowers are collected in dense apical inflorescences-tassels, the length of which can range from 5 to 13 cm. Laurel cherry clusters are very reminiscent of bird cherry inflorescences. The flowers have five sepals, one pistil and 20 stamens. The flowering of the crop begins in April.
Laurel cherry fruiting begins in July-August. Its fruit is a black drupe of round-ovoid shape. The stone is smooth, the flesh is juicy.
Attention! The seed of the Laurel Cherry fruit is poisonous. It contains hydrocyanic acid and therefore cannot be used as food. In addition, the bark of the plant, its leaves and seeds are also poisonous because they contain amygdalin, a toxic substance.
Cherry laurel is a frost-resistant plant that can tolerate air temperatures down to -15°C.
Useful properties of cherry laurel
In pharmacology, the so-called “cherry laurel water” is made based on cherry laurel leaves, which has calming, analgesic, antispasmodic and immunostimulating properties.
Since “cherry laurel water” contains essential oils, glycosides, tannins and phenolic acids, it is recommended for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, some pulmonary diseases and heart diseases. Phytoncides contained in the leaves of the plant exhibit antiviral and protistocidal activity. They are also used as an additive to various medicines to give a pleasant smell and taste.
In addition to “cherry laurel water,” “cherry laurel oil” is also actively used in pharmacology. This is a colorless or light yellow volatile substance, reminiscent of bitter almonds in its smell and taste. It can also be used to treat heart and lung diseases, severe coughs, and nervous disorders.
Cherry laurel is also used by folk healers in the treatment of inflammatory processes, internal bleeding, diseases of the skin and mucous membranes and other diseases.
Laurel cherry fruits are also used in cooking. You can make delicious jam from them by adding figs or lemons to the berries. You can also prepare a flavored syrup, which is later added to the dough or cream.
Harm from using Cherry Laurel
Since Cherry Laurel is considered a poisonous plant (the only exception is the pulp of the fruit), infusions, decoctions, and extracts based on it should be taken with extreme caution, strictly observing the recommended dosage. Failure to comply may result in shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. In this case, you must urgently seek medical help.
Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. Only the attending physician can give permission to take Cherry Laurel and determine the dosage rate. Pregnant and lactating women, children, those with various chronic diseases, as well as those with individual intolerance are not allowed to take medicines from Cherry Laurel. Laurel cherry fruiting begins in July-August
Planting and caring for Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurel is an unpretentious plant; it does not cause difficulties in growing. The area for growing cherry laurel should be well lit and sunny.
It is necessary to plant seedlings (it is best to purchase them in specialized stores to avoid any deception) in the spring with the onset of stable warm weather or in the fall. Before planting, you need to pay attention to the planting material: the roots should be elastic and not dry. Their length should not be less than 30 cm, and there should be no swelling or growths.
The soil on the site should be light, fertile, in extreme cases, slightly alkaline and calcareous will do, but then it must be provided with drainage, mineral fertilizers and organic matter must be added. You should not overdo it with fertilizing; 6 kg of fertilizer per 1 sq.m. is enough. If there is an excess of nitrogen in the soil, Cherry Laurel does not tolerate frost well and can freeze even with a slight drop in air temperature.
Caring for shrubs comes down to regularly cutting off excess shoots. This procedure is best carried out in winter, but if Cherry Laurel bushes are used as a hedge, then pruning is carried out at the end of summer.
Diseases and pests
Cherry laurel can often be affected by powdery mildew, and the infection quickly begins to spread throughout the plant, affecting its leaves with dark spots. In this case, Cherry Laurel must be treated with sulfur-containing preparations or a solution of the appropriate fungicide.
Due to the toxicity of the plant, harmful insects do not affect the plants, but birds, especially blackbirds, love to feast on the juicy berries of Cherry Laurel.
On the streets of southern cities you can sometimes hear fierce debate regarding this plant. Vacationers quite often mistake it for laurel, and this is not surprising, since the leaves of cherry laurel cannot be distinguished from laurel at first glance, and only the fruits that ripen in July reveal the true name...
Lavrovishnya: cultural features
Cherry laurel belongs to the truly huge genus Prunus, which has over 400 species and includes a wide variety of plants.
This plant is evergreen in the south, in our country- a deciduous tree, all parts of which, except the fruits, are poisonous. In nature, it is a rather tall tree, often reaching a height of 6 m and densely covered with large, glossy leaves on the upper side with smooth edges, hard to the touch, and rich dark green color. Cherry laurel blooms early, in early May, and pleases the eye with small white flowers, which are collected in dense apical clusters, sometimes stretching up to 12 cm.
This plant is widespread in the Caucasus, Eurasia, North America and the Antilles, where it rises to an altitude of 1700 m above sea level.
Among the fairly large variety of cherry laurel species, the three most widely known are described below.
Portuguese cherry laurel - quite a large shrub, often a small tree. The plant is characterized by rather slow growth and has very beautiful ovoid pointed leaves with reddish petioles. Flowering quite late- It’s mid-June, but the flowers are pretty! When ripe, the fruits acquire a blackish-purple color, and unripe ones are red and small, but in large quantities, which gives the plant an elegant appearance.
Cherry laurel Lusitanian - a large shrub, with proper care reaching a height of 5 m, sometimes a taller tree. This species grows extremely slowly, especially on soils with a lack of moisture. It is very responsive to soil fertility and thrives on light and permeable soils, but on damp soils with excess moisture it grows poorly and often even dies. Lusitanian cherry laurel is much more thermophilic than other species, and tolerates winter only with shelter.
The advantage of this species is that l. Lusitanian very successfully tolerates shaping, often replacing molded laurel, both in open ground and in tub culture.
And perhaps the most famous type is cherry laurel - is a shrub or tree not exceeding a height of 3 m. This species is the fastest growing, shade-tolerant and winter-hardy, withstands temperatures down to -25°C. Cherry laurel, like many species of this genus, is demanding on soil moisture: plants grow poorly in dry and exposed to the sun. But there are fewer requirements for the composition of the soil; almost everything is suitable: calcareous, humus-carbonate, loamy and even sandy loam. This species tolerates pruning very well and is beautiful both during flowering and when decorated with ripe fruits (September). Cherry laurel has been cultivated for a long time in gardens and parks literally all over the world.
In addition to the species, there are quite a few varieties of cherry laurel, among them Caucasian, characterized by large, elongated, intensely green leaves and Round-leaved - with leaves of oval shape and light green color with gloss. Varieties are ideal for growing in containers Shipkensis - with narrow leaves, erect stem and abundant flowering and Otto Luyken - Disease-resistant, dense and compact shrub with small, very shiny leaves and lush flowering.
So, we have listed the main types and varieties of cherry laurel, now we should say a few words about its cultivation, requirements for growing conditions, propagation technology and use.
Cherry laurel is usually cultivated either in open ground or in containers on balconies and terraces. Plants are planted in a permanent location in October or early spring, when the soil is moist and dense. Cherry laurel is a rather undemanding plant, but depending on the type it has its own characteristics, for example, Portuguese cherry laurel prefers deep, fresh and well-drained soil that does not contain lime, and cherry laurel can grow even on slightly alkaline soil, calcareous or less deep. Cherry laurel, of course, is an undemanding plant, but, like most crops, it is responsive to the application of organic fertilizers, dosages are small- 5-7 kg 1 m2.
As mentioned above, cherry laurel feels great in container cultivation. In this case, use a substrate that consists of peat and fertile soil in equal parts. The advantage of growing in containers is the ability to avoid such a complex procedure as replanting; you just need to replace the top, outdated layer of soil with a new, more fertile one. Also, a positive effect is obtained by adding complex fertilizer in the amount of 30 g per bucket to irrigation water and watering plants with such a solution approximately once every 20-30 days. General watering should be carried out after transplanting into open ground and during periods of prolonged drought.
As for choosing a place for planting, it all depends on the wishes of the gardener, since cherry laurel can grow both in the open sun and in the shade. The plant is also quite resistant to fluctuations in air temperature.
Among the maintenance work, the only thing worth noting is pruning, which must be carried out at the end of winter, and when cultivated as a hedge, also in August, to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
Diseases and pests. The most common disease of cherry laurel is grape powdery mildew, which manifests itself in the form of powdery spots appearing on the leaves. Getting rid of this disease is quite simple; it is necessary to carry out the usual treatment with preparations based on sulfur or other similar fungicides. As for pests, they have not been noted on cherry laurel plants, with the exception of thrushes that adore the fruit.
Cherry laurel: reproduction
Cherry laurel is easily propagated by seeds, green cuttings and layering. When propagating by seeds, one should take into account the fact that the seeds must be sown immediately after the fruits ripen, since during storage their germination rate drops sharply; one might even say that the seeds are not stored at all. The life of the seeds can be slightly extended only by placing them in a humid environment. Seeds sown in moist soil in the fall germinate in the spring; it is better to transplant young plants immediately to a permanent place, since the root system suffers greatly during transplantation.
As for propagation by layering, the yield of planting material here is somewhat more modest than when using seed sowing. This method is divided into three different options: arcuate layering, vertical and horizontal. Reproduction by arcuate layering is carried out in the same way as with currants; this method is very widespread and there is no point in describing it. It's a completely different matter- a method of propagation by vertical layering; few people know this method, so it should be described. It consists of the following: early in spring or late in autumn, the cherry laurel bush is completely cut off, leaving only stumps not exceeding 3 cm in height. Then green shoots grow on these stumps, which must be thinned out, leaving only the strongest. When the length of the shoots reaches 20 cm, they must be hilled up, leaving only the very top and be sure to water them abundantly. During the entire growing season, the plants must be budded and watered, and in the fall, when the shoots take root, they must be unplanted and separated from the mother plant and planted in a new place.
Propagation by green cuttings- the most complex method, but if implemented correctly, standard planting material can be obtained already this year. Its essence is as follows: in June, non-lignified shoots are cut off and divided into cuttings 10-12 cm long, all leaves except the apical ones are removed, and the cuttings themselves are planted in a greenhouse in a special soil mixture consisting of river sand, humus and drainage (for which expanded clay is suitable). The drainage is placed at the bottom of the bed in the greenhouse and covered on top with a mixture of humus and river sand. It is in this mixture that the cuttings are planted; they should be deepened no more than 2-3 cm. It should be noted that for full rhizogenesis (root formation), the cuttings require timely watering. On farms, this is achieved by installing special installations in the greenhouse with timers that supply water at a strictly defined time through spray nozzles, creating a “fog” effect in the greenhouse.
At home, this effect can be achieved by building a low, small greenhouse and covering it with a film with a “shade” that practically does not allow the sun’s rays to pass through, without creating a “glass” effect. And in hot weather, water the cuttings at least once every 2-3 hours Rooted cuttings are carefully dug up in the fall and immediately planted in well-prepared, loosened and fertilized open ground for growing. Next fall, the seedlings are ready to be dug up and transplanted to a permanent location or sold.
Application. Common cherry laurel is widely used in hedges and group plantings. This plant looks great in the edges of large groups of tall evergreen trees, as an understory, and also in mass planting on slopes to strengthen the soil. Cherry laurel tolerates pruning very well and is used for shaping, and the fruits are used for food both fresh and dried. Cherry laurel water is made from fresh leaves and is used as a pain reliever.
N. Khromov , Candidate of Biological Sciences
Photo from Yandex collection
Cherry laurel belongs to a truly huge genus Prunus, which has over 400 species and includes a wide variety of plants. This plant itself is evergreen in the south, in our country it is a deciduous tree, all parts of which, with the exception of the fruits, are poisonous. In nature (natural conditions) it is a rather tall tree, often reaching a height of six meters and densely covered with large leaves, glossy on the upper side and hard to the touch, with smooth edges of a rich dark green color.
Cherry laurel blooms early, in early May, and pleases the eye with small white flowers, which are collected in dense apical clusters, sometimes stretching up to 12 centimeters. This plant is widespread in the Caucasus, Eurasia, North America and the Antilles, where it rises to an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level.
Types and varieties of cherry laurel
Among the fairly large variety of cherry laurel species, the three most widely known are described below:
Portuguese cherry laurel- a fairly large shrub, more often a small tree. The plant is characterized by rather slow growth and has very beautiful ovoid pointed leaves with reddish petioles. It blooms quite late - in mid-June, and the flowers are very pretty! When ripe, the fruits acquire a blackish-purple color, and when unripe they are red and small, but in large quantities, which gives the plant an elegant appearance.
Cherry laurel Lusitanian- a large shrub, with proper care reaching a height of five meters, sometimes it is a taller tree. This species grows extremely slowly, especially on soils with a lack of moisture. It is very responsive to soil fertility and thrives in light and permeable soils, but in damp soils with excess moisture it grows poorly and often even dies. Lusitanian cherry laurel is much more thermophilic than other species and tolerates winter only when covered.
The advantages of this species are that it tolerates molding very well, often replacing molded laurel, both in open ground and in tub culture.
And, perhaps, the most famous species - - is a shrub or tree not exceeding three meters in height. This species is the fastest growing, shade-tolerant and winter-hardy, withstands temperatures down to -25°C. Cherry laurel, like many species, is demanding on soil moisture; Plants do not grow well in dry and sun-exposed conditions. But there are fewer requirements for the composition of the soil; almost everything is suitable: calcareous, humus-carbonate, loamy and even sandy loam. This species tolerates pruning very well and is especially decorative during flowering and when decorated with ripe fruits (in September). Cherry laurel has been cultivated for a long time in gardens and parks literally all over the world.
In addition to the species, there are quite a few varieties of cherry laurel, among them the varieties Caucasian, characterized by large, elongated, intensely green leaves and Round-leaved- with oval-shaped leaves and light green color with gloss. Varieties are ideal for growing in containers Shipkensis– with narrow leaves, an erect stem and abundant flowering and Otto Luyken- disease-resistant, dense and compact shrub with small, very shiny leaves and lush flowering.
So, you have become acquainted with the main types and varieties of cherry laurel, now you should say a few words about its cultivation, requirements for growing conditions, propagation technology and use.
Growing cherry laurel
Cherry laurel is usually cultivated either in open ground or in containers on balconies and terraces. Plants are planted in a permanent location in October or early spring, when the soil is moist and dense. Cherry laurel is a rather undemanding plant, but depending on the type it has its own characteristics, for example, Portuguese cherry laurel prefers deep, fresh and well-drained soil, not containing lime, and cherry laurel can grow even on slightly alkaline soil, calcareous and less deep.
Cherry laurel, of course, is an undemanding plant, but like most crops it is responsive to the application of organic fertilizers, the dosages are small - 5-7 kg/m?.
As mentioned above, cherry laurel feels great in. In this case, use a substrate that consists of peat and fertile soil in equal parts. The advantage of growing in containers is the ability to avoid such a complex procedure as replanting; you just need to replace the top, outdated layer of soil with a new, more fertile one. A positive effect is achieved by adding complex fertilizer in the amount of 30 grams per bucket to irrigation water and watering plants with this solution approximately once every 20-30 days. As for general watering, it should be carried out after transplanting into open ground and during periods of prolonged drought. When choosing a place for planting, everything here depends on the wishes of the gardener, since cherry laurel can grow both in open sun and in the shade. The plant is also quite resistant to fluctuations in air temperature. Of the mandatory maintenance work, only pruning should be highlighted, which must be carried out at the end of winter, and when cultivated as a hedge, even in August, to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
Diseases and pests
The most common disease of cherry laurel is grape powdery mildew, which manifests itself in the form of powdery spots appearing on the leaves. Getting rid of this disease is quite simple; it is necessary to carry out the usual treatment with preparations based on sulfur or other similar fungicides. Amateur gardeners should remember that excess nitrogen fertilizers, especially at the end of summer, sharply reduce the cold resistance of plants! As for pests, they have not been noted on cherry laurel plants, with the exception of thrushes that adore its fruits.
Reproduction
Cherry laurel is easily propagated by seeds, green cuttings and layering. At propagation by seeds One should take into account the fact that the seeds must be sown immediately after the fruits ripen, since during storage their germination rate drops sharply; one might even say that the seeds are not stored at all. You can extend the life of the seeds a little by placing them in a humid environment. Seeds sown in moist soil in the fall germinate quickly in the spring; it is better to transplant young plants immediately to a permanent place, since the root system of cherry laurel suffers greatly during transplantation.
Concerning propagation by layering, then the yield of planting material here is somewhat more modest than when sowing with seeds. This method is divided into three different options: arcuate layering, vertical and horizontal. As for propagation by arcuate layering, everything is done here in the same way as with currants; this method is very widespread and there is no point in describing it in detail. Reproduction by vertical layering is a completely different matter; few people know this method, so it is worth dwelling on it in more detail. It consists of the following: early in spring or late in autumn, the cherry laurel bush is completely cut off, leaving only stumps not exceeding three centimeters in height. Then green shoots grow on these stumps, which must be thinned out, leaving only the strongest. When the length of the shoots reaches twenty centimeters, they must be spudded, leaving only the very top and be sure to water them abundantly. During the entire growing season, the plants must be budded and watered, and in the fall, when the shoots take root, they must be unplanted and separated from the mother plant and planted in a new place.
Propagation by green cuttings- the most complex method, but if implemented correctly, standard planting material can be obtained already this year. Its essence is this: in June, shoots that have not yet lignified are cut off and divided into cuttings 10-12 centimeters long, all leaves except the apical ones are removed, and the cuttings themselves are planted in a greenhouse in a special soil mixture consisting of river (namely river) sand, humus and drainage , which is suitable for expanded clay. Expanded clay (or other drainage) is placed on the bottom of the bed in the greenhouse and covered on top with a mixture of humus and river sand. It is in this mixture that the cuttings are planted. They should be deepened no more than 2-3 centimeters. It should be noted that for full rhizogenesis (root formation), cuttings require timely watering. On farms, this is achieved using special installations with timers that supply water at a strictly defined time through spray nozzles, creating a “fog” effect in the greenhouse. At home, this effect can be achieved by building a low, small greenhouse and covering it with a film with a “shade” that practically does not allow the sun’s rays to pass through, without creating a “glass” effect. In hot weather, cuttings should be watered at least once every two to three hours. Rooted cuttings are carefully dug up in the fall and the cut is planted in well-prepared, loosened and fertilized soil in the garden for “growing.” Next fall, the seedlings are ready to be dug up and transplanted to a permanent location or for sale.
Application of cherry laurel
Common cherry laurel is widely used in group plantings. This plant looks great in the edges of large groups of tall evergreen trees, as an understory, and also in mass planting on slopes to strengthen the soil. Cherry laurel tolerates pruning very well and is used for curly shaping, and its fruits are used for food both fresh and dried. Cherry laurel water is prepared from fresh leaves and is used as a pain reliever.
Nikolay Khromov, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, researcher, Department of Berry Crops, State Scientific Institution VNIIS named after. I.V. Michurina, member of the NIRR Academy
Cherry laurel is a fairly popular plant, which is an evergreen shrub or tree. Typically, its height can reach from 2 to 6 meters, depending on the area where it grows. The plant received this name due to the fact that its branches and leaves are very similar to laurel, but the fruits are almost impossible to distinguish from cherry fruits. Today, let's talk about what cherry laurel is, and its photos, which will be shown below, will help us with this.
Cherry laurel is used at home as a shrub and interior landscaping. But it is possible to use it as a hedge in landscape design. However, the climatic features of the region should be taken into account. Proper plant care ensures rapid growth of green mass. And simple propagation allows you to obtain a large amount of planting material.
Botanical description of cherry laurel and photo of the plant
The cherry laurel plant boasts a rather interesting botanical description and excellent medicinal properties. Typically, botanists assign this name to plants that can reach a height of 2 to 6 meters; their branches are equipped with very hard, leathery leaves. Their color is quite rich dark green, and they differ from other plants in that they have a glossy surface on the upper side, as shown in the photo below. The botanical description of cherry laurel is presented in a brief version. But the photo of the plant allows you to enjoy the splendor of the green mass:
As for the fruits, cherry laurel seeds are quite poisonous and cannot be eaten, unlike the fruits themselves. Its seeds contain a substance called hydrocyanic acid, as well as amygdalin, which botanists find in the leaves and bark of a bush or tree.
Quite often, cherry laurel is used as a hedge; this plant can mainly be seen in the warm regions of Europe, Asia and America. In Russia, this shrub can also often be seen, if only because it has very attractive medicinal properties and is often used in folk medicine. So, for example, back in the last century, by distilling cherry laurel leaves with clean water, a pretty good sedative was obtained. Until now, this plant is quite widespread in medicine, although it can be poisonous and in some cases fatal, as it contains toxic substances.
Medicinal properties of cherry laurel and its use in folk medicine
As for traditional medicine, it is worth talking about a special type of cherry laurel - medicinal. It is most common in Russia. Usually this plant can be seen in the photo as a bush no more than 3 meters in height, but with proper care, gardeners often ensure that it grows up to 5 meters. Basically, medicinal cherry laurel is no different from other representatives of these trees. Its special difference is that it is used to treat certain ailments, for example, as already mentioned, a tincture from it is a wonderful sedative. The medicinal properties of cherry laurel do not end there, so its use in folk medicine is quite widespread.
Cherry laurel has become widespread in Russia due to the fact that it is quite frost-resistant. Of course, it cannot handle severe frosts, but it can easily winter in regions where at this time the temperature does not exceed -25 degrees. This is mainly the south of Russia, where in April and May you can watch the beautiful flowering of the bush, and in August you can taste its fruits.
Cherry laurel is often used as a medicinal plant as tinctures and oils. This plant contains toxic substances, which are also used in medicine. They are used as immune modulators, that is, means that perfectly regulate the functioning of the immune system.
Cherry laurel water, which is obtained by steam distilling freshly cut leaves, is used as an excellent pain reliever. Also, often in medicine this remedy can be found to treat insomnia or tachycardia. For stomach cramps, the leaves of this plant are also considered a quite useful medicine. In general, cherry laurel is quite widely used in the field of folk medicine, despite the fact that often, especially in the Caucasus, its leaves in combination with other natural plants heal ailments. It is especially often used in equal proportions with eucalyptus, myrtle and laurel, so if you sew such a set into a pillow, you will get an excellent sleeping pill.
How to distinguish between laurel and cherry laurel: both shrubs in the photo
Almost all gardeners know that cherry laurel is very similar to laurel and sometimes it can be very difficult to distinguish them from each other. Let's find out exactly how to do this, because the difference between these plants is quite large, this can be seen even in the photo where both of these shrubs are shown. Before you distinguish between laurel and cherry laurel, look at the photo:
On the left is a laurel bush, on the right is a cherry laurel bush.
First of all, pay attention to the fact that cherry laurel leaves are larger in size than the relatively small laurel leaves. Usually, the former can reach 20 centimeters, while the latter are no more than 10 and have an oval shape. At the same time, laurel leaves have the same leaf on both sides, when, like cherry laurel, it is glossy on the top. Also, you should definitely know that laurel can be used as a spice; cherry laurel contains a lot of toxic substances that can lead to severe forms of poisoning if consumed in the wrong form.
On the left is laurel, on the right is cherry laurel
On the left are laurel leaves, on the right are cherry laurel leaves
Also, cherry laurel is quite different from laurel during flowering. Its inflorescences are collected in large luxurious brushes that have white flowers. In laurel they are collected in the axils of the leaves and cannot please the eye with large bouquets.
Laurel blossoms above, cherry laurel blossoms below
The most important difference between trees is their fruits. In cherry laurel they are edible, have a pleasant sweetish or bitter taste and can be consumed immediately after being picked from the tree. At the same time, they are even similar in color to cherry fruits - they are red or burgundy, while laurel fruits are not edible and have a black or blue tint.
It is quite difficult to make a mistake if you compare the leaves of laurel and cherry laurel in dry form. They are not difficult to distinguish not only by their shape, but also by the specific smell that comes from bay leaves. By the way, they may seem stiffer to the touch.
Caring for cherry laurel at home and reproduction features
To grow cherry laurel at home, it is not necessary to have any specific conditions; it is enough to know the basics of proper care for this plant and follow them. To begin with, you should make sure that the shrub has one permanent place in the open ground, where it must be planted in mid-autumn, when the soil is completely saturated with moisture and is denser than usual. If you decide to grow cherry laurel in a container, then take care of the substrate, which must be prepared from fertile soil and peat. Next, let's talk about all this in detail and learn about the features of reproduction. Caring for cherry laurel at home begins with preparing a container for planting. For these purposes, at the initial stage, a pot of 5 liters is suitable.
If necessary, you can fertilize using complex fertilizer. After the cherry laurel is planted in the ground, you should immediately water it. It is also necessary to water during drought.
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