Laurel hedges are among the most popular choices for UK gardens, valued for their dense evergreen foliage, fast growth and ability to create year-round privacy. Whether you want to screen neighbouring properties, reduce noise or add structure to your outdoor space, a laurel hedge can provide a practical and attractive solution.
However, not all laurel hedges are the same. Different varieties vary in growth rate, appearance, maintenance needs and suitability for different garden sizes. Choosing the right type is essential if you want a hedge that thrives in your specific conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best laurel hedge for your UK garden, compare popular varieties and explain how to maintain healthy, long-lasting growth.
Why Laurel Hedges Are So Popular in the UK
Laurel hedges have become a staple of British landscaping due to their adaptability and reliable performance in the UK climate.
Key benefits of laurel hedges:
- Evergreen foliage for year-round screening
- Fast growth and dense coverage
- Good wind and noise reduction
- Suitable for urban and rural gardens
- Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
For gardeners seeking dependable evergreen hedging plants, laurel is often one of the most practical and versatile options available.
Types of Laurel Hedges
There are several types of laurel hedges commonly grown in UK gardens. Understanding their differences will help you choose the best option for your space.
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry Laurel is one of the fastest-growing hedge varieties available in the UK.
Characteristics:
- Large glossy green leaves
- Dense evergreen growth
- Growth rate of 30–60 cm per year
Best suited for:
- Privacy screening
- Large garden boundaries
- Noise reduction
Cherry Laurel quickly forms a thick hedge, making it ideal for homeowners wanting rapid coverage.
Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)
Portuguese Laurel offers a more refined and elegant appearance compared to Cherry Laurel.
Characteristics:
- Smaller dark green leaves
- Attractive red stems
- Slightly slower growth
Best suited for:
- Formal gardens
- Smaller outdoor spaces
- Decorative boundaries
Its compact appearance makes it popular in contemporary and traditional UK gardens alike.
Compact Laurel Varieties
Compact laurel hedges are ideal for smaller gardens or lower-maintenance landscapes.
Advantages:
- Easier to manage
- Require less frequent trimming
- Suitable for tighter spaces
These varieties work well where space is limited but evergreen coverage is still desired.
Cherry Laurel vs Portuguese Laurel
One of the most common questions gardeners ask is which laurel variety is best for their needs.
|
Feature |
Cherry Laurel |
Portuguese Laurel |
|
Growth Rate |
Fast |
Moderate |
|
Leaf Size |
Large |
Smaller |
|
Appearance |
Dense and bold |
Refined and elegant |
|
Maintenance |
Moderate |
Lower |
|
Best For |
Privacy screening |
Formal gardens |
Which should you choose?
- Choose Cherry Laurel for rapid privacy and screening
- Choose Portuguese Laurel for a more decorative and manageable hedge
Choosing the Right Laurel Hedge for Your Garden
Several factors should influence your decision when selecting a laurel hedge.
Garden Size
Large gardens can accommodate faster-growing varieties such as Cherry Laurel, while smaller gardens may benefit from Portuguese Laurel or compact forms.
Desired Hedge Height
Consider how tall you want your hedge to become.
- Tall privacy screens → Cherry Laurel
- Medium decorative hedges → Portuguese Laurel
Maintenance Requirements
Some laurel hedges require more frequent trimming than others.
If you prefer lower-maintenance gardening:
- Choose slower-growing varieties
- Avoid overly vigorous hedges in small spaces
Soil and Growing Conditions
Laurel hedges are generally adaptable, but they grow best in:
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered positions
Most varieties tolerate typical UK weather conditions well.
Best Laurel Hedge for Privacy
If privacy is your main goal, Cherry Laurel is often considered the best choice.
Why?
- Fast establishment
- Thick evergreen foliage
- Excellent screening all year round
Dense growth helps reduce overlooking and can also provide some protection from wind and noise.
Best Laurel Hedge for Small Gardens
For smaller outdoor spaces, Portuguese Laurel is often more suitable.
Benefits:
- Compact growth habit
- Smaller leaves create a neater appearance
- Easier to shape and maintain
This makes it ideal for urban gardens and modern landscapes.
How Fast Do Laurel Hedges Grow?
Growth rate is one of the main reasons gardeners choose laurel hedges.
Average growth rates:
- Cherry Laurel: 30–60 cm per year
- Portuguese Laurel: 20–40 cm per year
Growth speed depends on:
- Soil quality
- Watering
- Sunlight
- Regular maintenance
When to Plant Laurel Hedges
Timing plays an important role in successful hedge establishment.
The best planting periods are:
- Autumn (September–November)
- Spring (March–May)
Planting during these seasons allows roots to establish before extreme weather conditions arrive.
For more detailed seasonal guidance, you can explore When to Plant Hedge Plants to understand the best planting times for different hedge types in the UK.
How to Maintain a Healthy Laurel Hedge
Proper maintenance is essential for long-term success.
Watering
Newly planted hedges require regular watering during their first year, particularly during dry periods.
Feeding
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy foliage and root development.
Trimming
Trim laurel hedges:
- Once or twice annually
- In late spring or late summer
Regular pruning helps maintain dense growth and prevents the hedge from becoming unruly.
Mulching
Mulching around the base of the hedge helps:
- Retain moisture
- Reduce weeds
- Improve soil quality
Common Laurel Hedge Problems
Although generally hardy, laurel hedges can occasionally develop issues.
Yellowing Leaves
Usually caused by:
- Poor drainage
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Water stress
Sparse Growth
Can result from:
- Insufficient pruning
- Lack of sunlight
- Poor soil conditions
Frost Damage
Young plants may suffer during severe winters. Mulching and shelter can help protect vulnerable growth.
Laurel Hedges and Garden Style
Different hedge styles suit different garden designs.
Formal Gardens
Portuguese Laurel creates a neat, structured appearance.
Natural Gardens
Cherry Laurel provides lush greenery and effective screening.
Contemporary Gardens
Compact laurels work well in minimalist landscaping.
If you’re still deciding between hedge styles, reading Native vs Evergreen Hedging can help you understand which option suits your garden best.
Where to Source Quality Laurel Hedges
Healthy plants are essential for successful hedge establishment. When selecting plants, look for:
- Healthy root systems
- Dense foliage
- Good overall structure
You can explore suitable options through Everything Plants, which offers hedge varieties suited to UK garden conditions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best laurel hedge for your UK garden depends on your space, maintenance preferences and desired appearance. Cherry Laurel is ideal for rapid privacy and dense screening, while Portuguese Laurel offers a more refined and decorative look.
By understanding the differences between varieties and providing proper care, you can create a healthy evergreen hedge that enhances your garden for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best laurel hedge for privacy?
Cherry Laurel is often considered the best laurel hedge for privacy due to its fast growth and dense evergreen foliage.
How fast does a laurel hedge grow?
Cherry Laurel typically grows 30–60 cm per year, while Portuguese Laurel grows around 20–40 cm annually.
When should you plant a laurel hedge in the UK?
The best time to plant laurel hedges is during autumn or spring, when soil conditions support healthy root establishment.
Which laurel hedge is best for small gardens?
Portuguese Laurel is generally better suited to smaller gardens because of its compact growth and refined appearance.
How often should you trim a laurel hedge?
Most laurel hedges benefit from trimming once or twice a year to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
