The primary difference between laurel and cherry laurel lies in their specific botanical characteristics, with laurel (referring to Portuguese Laurel) featuring smaller, darker leaves with distinctive red stems, while cherry laurel is characterized by larger, glossy green leaves and thicker stems. Both are popular evergreen shrubs often used for hedging and screening, but their unique attributes make them suitable for different aesthetic and practical needs in the garden.
While "laurel" can be a general term, in gardening contexts, especially when contrasted with "cherry laurel," it often refers to Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica). This distinction is crucial for understanding their specific differences.
Key Distinctions Between Portuguese Laurel and Cherry Laurel
Here’s a breakdown of their main differentiating factors:
| Feature | Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) | Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Smaller, oval to lanceolate shape; dark green, often glossy; sometimes slightly wavy edges. | Larger, broader, and more ovate shape; bright to dark glossy green; flatter edges. |
| Stems | Distinctive red or purple-red young stems, which mature to brown. | Thicker, typically green or brownish-green stems. |
| Growth Habit | Denser, more compact growth; often forms a neat, formal hedge. | Faster growing, can be more vigorous and spreading; often requires more pruning. |
| Flowering | White, fragrant flower spikes in early summer. | White, upright flower spikes (often less showy than Portuguese Laurel) in spring. |
| Hardiness | Generally hardy down to -15°C to -20°C (USDA Zones 7-9). | Very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C to -25°C (USDA Zones 6-8). |
| Pruning Needs | Tolerates hard pruning well, maintaining a tidy shape. | Can become leggy if not pruned regularly; tolerates hard pruning, but can look untidy quickly. |
| Aesthetic | Elegant, refined appearance; good for formal settings. | Robust, lush appearance; good for informal hedges and quick screening. |
Delving Deeper into Their Characteristics
1. Leaf and Stem Appearance
The most noticeable difference lies in their foliage and stem coloration:
- Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) boasts elegant, smaller, darker green leaves that are typically oval or lance-shaped with a slight waviness. These leaves are held on distinctive red or purplish-red young stems, which provide a beautiful contrast and add year-round interest, especially in winter.
- Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), on the other hand, features larger, broader, and often brighter or dark glossy green leaves. Its stems are generally thicker and green or brownish-green, lacking the vibrant red hue found on the Portuguese Laurel. The leaves tend to be flatter and more uniformly ovate.
2. Growth Rate and Size
Both are fast-growing evergreens, but their rates and ultimate sizes vary:
- Cherry Laurel generally exhibits a faster growth rate, making it an excellent choice for quickly establishing privacy screens or large hedges. It can reach impressive heights and widths if left unpruned.
- Portuguese Laurel has a slightly slower, more controlled growth rate, leading to a denser and more compact habit. This makes it ideal for more formal hedges where a neat, precise look is desired without constant pruning.
3. Landscaping Uses and Maintenance
Both plants are incredibly versatile in landscaping:
- Portuguese Laurel is often favored for:
- Formal hedges: Its dense growth and smaller leaves create a refined, elegant barrier.
- Specimen planting: Can be shaped into beautiful standalone trees.
- Topiary: Its ability to withstand heavy pruning makes it suitable for intricate shapes.
- Container planting: Smaller varieties can thrive in large pots.
- It generally requires less frequent pruning to maintain a tidy shape compared to Cherry Laurel.
- Cherry Laurel is excellent for:
- Rapid privacy screening: Its vigorous growth quickly forms a thick barrier.
- Large, informal hedges: Can cover significant areas with lush foliage.
- Sound barriers: The dense leaves help to muffle noise.
- Woodland gardens: Tolerates shade well and blends into naturalistic settings.
- Due to its faster growth, it may require more regular pruning to prevent it from becoming overly large or leggy.
4. Hardiness and Environmental Tolerance
Both laurels are robust, but Cherry Laurel typically has an edge in extreme cold:
- Cherry Laurel is known for its exceptional hardiness, tolerating harsh winter conditions and a wider range of soil types, including poor soils, as long as they are well-draining.
- Portuguese Laurel is also very hardy but can be slightly less tolerant of extreme cold and exposed, windy sites compared to Cherry Laurel. It prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position.
Choosing the Right Laurel for Your Garden
When deciding between Portuguese Laurel and Cherry Laurel, consider these factors:
- Desired Aesthetic: Do you prefer the refined look of smaller, darker leaves with red stems (Portuguese Laurel) or the lush, bold appearance of larger, glossy green leaves (Cherry Laurel)?
- Growth Speed: Need a quick screen? Cherry Laurel is faster. Have more patience for a denser, more formal hedge? Portuguese Laurel might be better.
- Maintenance Level: Both require pruning, but Cherry Laurel may need it more frequently to control its vigorous growth.
- Site Conditions: While both are adaptable, Cherry Laurel can handle harsher conditions and poorer soils slightly better.
By understanding these distinctions, you can select the laurel that best fits your specific landscaping needs and design vision. For more detailed information on their care and cultivation, resources like the Royal Horticultural Society and reputable local nurseries are excellent guides.
