Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) are two of the most popular evergreen shrubs for hedging, thanks to their glossy foliage, fast growth, and year-round interest. While both plants are highly adaptable, providing them with the right soil conditions will help them thrive and create a strong, healthy hedge.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best soil for cherry laurel and Portuguese laurel, covering soil type, pH, drainage, and how to improve poor soil conditions to give your laurel hedge the best start.
Understanding Cherry Laurel & Portuguese Laurel Soil Preferences
Both cherry laurel and Portuguese laurel are hardy and adaptable, capable of growing in a wide range of soil types. However, certain conditions will encourage better growth, lusher foliage, and stronger root development.
The Ideal Soil for Laurels
✔ Well-drained but moisture-retentive – Laurels dislike waterlogged soil but still need consistent moisture.
✔ Loamy or slightly clay-based soil – A mix of sand, silt, and clay provides the perfect balance of drainage and nutrients.
✔ Moderately fertile – Although laurels can tolerate poor soil, richer soil will support stronger, healthier growth.
✔ Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.5) – While laurels can handle slightly alkaline soil, very high pH levels may affect nutrient uptake.
Soil Type Guide: What Works Best for Cherry & Portuguese Laurel?
Soil Type | Suitability for Laurels | How to Improve It |
|---|---|---|
| Loamy Soil | ✅ Ideal – Well-balanced for drainage and nutrients. | ⚠️ Drains too quickly, and may lack nutrients. |
| Clay Soil | ⚠️ Can retain too much water, leading to root rot. | Add compost, well-rotted manure, or grit to improve drainage. |
| Sandy Soil | ⚠️ Drains too quickly, may lack nutrients. | Mix in organic matter to improve water retention. |
| Chalky Soil | ❌ Can be too alkaline, affecting nutrient uptake. | Use ericaceous compost and organic matter to balance pH. |
Drainage: The Key to Healthy Laurels
One of the biggest challenges for cherry laurel and Portuguese laurel is poor drainage, which can lead to root rot and other issues. If your garden has heavy clay soil or poor drainage, follow these tips to improve conditions before planting:
How to Test Your Soil’s Drainage
- Dig a hole – Around 12 inches deep.
- Fill it with water and let it drain completely.
- Refill the hole with water and measure how long it takes to drain.
- 1 inch per hour = Ideal drainage
- Slower than 1 inch per hour = Poor drainage (add organic matter or plant in raised beds)
- Drains too fast = Dry soil (add compost to retain moisture)
How to Improve Drainage for Laurels
✔ Mix in compost or well-rotted manure – Helps break up clay and improve soil structure.
✔ Add grit or sand – Enhances drainage in heavy soils.
✔ Use raised beds – A great option for extremely wet areas.
✔ Mulch around the base – Retains moisture without waterlogging
Soil Conditions in Northern Ireland & the UK
If you’re planting laurels in Belfast or elsewhere in the UK, you may encounter heavy clay soils that hold too much water. To counteract this, prepare the soil by digging in organic matter and ensuring proper spacing for airflow and root development.
Cherry Laurel Hedge Spacing
- For a dense hedge: Plant 60cm (2ft) apart
- For a looser hedge: Space 90cm (3ft) apart
- For fast coverage: Use a staggered double row with 40-50cm spacing
Final Tips for Healthy Laurels
🌱 Choose a well-drained location – Avoid areas that become waterlogged in winter.
🌱 Improve soil before planting – Especially if you have heavy clay or poor drainage.
🌱 Check pH levels – Slightly acidic to neutral soil is best.
🌱 Use organic mulch – Helps retain moisture and improve soil health.
🌱 Avoid compacted soil – Loosen the planting area to encourage strong root growth.
By creating the right soil conditions, your cherry laurel and Portuguese laurel will flourish, providing a stunning, low-maintenance hedge for years to come!
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