How Fast Does Cherry Laurel Grow? Annual Growth Explained

Cherry laurel is one of the UK’s most popular hedging plants for one key reason: it grows fast. When planted and maintained correctly, cherry laurel can produce a thick, green privacy hedge in just a few seasons — far quicker than many other evergreen species.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking for privacy, a landscaper building a boundary, or a developer planting instant structure, understanding growth rates helps you plan spacing, maintenance, and planting schedules.

This guide explains exactly how fast cherry laurel grows, why growth rates vary, how pruning affects speed, and how to maximise growth for a full hedge in as little time as possible.

Average Annual Growth Rate in the UK

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is known for its vigorous growth. Under normal UK conditions, it grows:

30–60cm per year (standard rate)
This is the growth most homeowners and landscapers observe.

Up to 90cm per year (ideal conditions)
This level of growth occurs when:

• Soil is rich and well-drained
• The plant receives partial shade
• Pruning is performed correctly
• Watering is consistent
• Frost damage is minimal

First-year growth may be slower
This is normal. Laurel establishes roots before it puts on height. Expect:

• Year 1: 10–30cm
• Year 2: 30–60c
• Year 3 onwards: 40–80cm

By Year 3, growth becomes more vigorous and the hedge thickens significantly.

Growth Rate by Laurel Variety

Although "cherry laurel" refers to several cultivars, growth rates differ:

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’

Growth: 40–60cm a year
This is the classic, large-leaved, fast-growing hedging laurel.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’

Growth: 35–50cm a year
Narrow-leaved and slightly slower.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Etna’

Growth: 20–35cm a year
More compact; great for formal hedges.

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)

Growth: 20–30cm a year
Not a cherry laurel but a common comparison. Slower but more refined.

If speed is your top priority, Rotundifolia is the clear winner.

Conditions That Affect Growth Speed

Cherry laurel is resilient but certain conditions boost or limit growth.

1. Sunlight Exposure

• Partial shade = fastest
• Full sun = good
• Deep shade = still good, but slightly slower. Few hedges offer such shade tolerance.

2. Soil Quality

Best growth occurs in:

• Moist but well-drained soil
• Neutral to alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogging — it slows growth and yellows leaves.

3. Watering

Young hedges grow faster with:

Deep watering once weekly in dry spells.
Avoid shallow sprinkling.

4. Temperature & Weather

Cold snaps can temporarily slow growth.
Strong winds dry foliage and reduce energy.

5. Space & Planting Density

Overcrowding slows growth.
Correct spacing = faster establishment.

How Pruning Affects Growth

Pruning doesn’t just shape a hedge — it increases growth speed.

Light trimming = thicker, faster hedge

Cutting the growing tips encourages:

• More side branches
• Thicker foliage
• Faster coverage

Best pruning time

• Late spring
• Early autumn

Hard pruning (= rejuvenation)

Cherry laurel can be cut back aggressively if needed.
It regrows rapidly from old wood — a rare trait.

Problems That Slow Growth

1. Waterlogging

Roots suffocate → slow or stunted growth.

2. Drought stress

Leaves curl; new growth stops.
Young hedges need consistent moisture.

3. Poor soil

Nutrient-deficient soil = pale leaves + weak growth.

4. Shade from above

Cherry laurel loves shade only when open overhead.
Under large trees, growth slows.

5. Incorrect planting depth

Planting too deep reduces oxygen to the root collar.

How Long Until Cherry Laurel Forms a Full Hedge?

Small plants (30–60cm): 3–4 years to form a dense hedge

Medium plants (60–100cm): 2–3 years

Large plants (120–150cm): 1–2 years

Instant hedging (1m units): Immediate results

How to Make Cherry Laurel Grow Faster

1. Mulch yearly

Retains moisture and provides nutrients.

2. Water deeply during dry spells

Especially Year 1–2.

3. Light pruning twice a year

The more you cut, the denser it becomes.

4. Feed in early spring

Slow-release fertiliser boosts early-season growth.

5. Avoid trimming late autumn

Frost damages new growth.

When Cherry Laurel Grows During the Year

Cherry laurel has two main growth flushes:

Spring (April–June)

Strongest growth period.

Late Summer (August–September)

Second, smaller growth phase.

Minimal growth occurs:

• Winter (dormant)
• Mid-summer heatwaves

FAQ

Does cherry laurel grow in winter?
No — it’s evergreen but dormant.

Does pruning slow growth?
No — pruning increases growth.

Is cherry laurel the fastest-growing hedge?
Among evergreens: yes, one of the top three.

Final Tips for Fast Growth

• Buy plants grown in UK climate
• Provide water + mulch in first year
• Avoid overfeeding
• Space correctly
• Prune regularly for bushiness