The Ultimate Guide: How to Grow Cherry Laurel from Cuttings

Looking to add a touch of elegance and greenery to your garden? Cherry laurel, with its glossy leaves and fragrant blossoms, is a popular choice. But did you know that you can easily propagate this beautiful shrub from cuttings? This method is not only cost-effective but also allows you to create multiple plants from a single parent. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of how to grow cherry laurel from cuttings, ensuring a successful propagation experience.

Selecting the Right Cuttings

The success of your cherry laurel propagation hinges on selecting the right cuttings. Opt for healthy, non-flowering stems from the current year’s growth. Ideally, choose stems that are about 6-8 inches long and have a diameter of about ¼ inch.

Tips for Selecting Cuttings:

• Timing is crucial: The best time for taking cuttings is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
• Avoid diseased or damaged stems: Select only healthy, vigorous stems free from any signs of pests or diseases.
• Look for stems with multiple nodes: Nodes are the points on the stem where leaves grow. Cuttings with multiple nodes are more likely to root successfully.

Preparing the Cuttings

Once you have your cuttings, it’s time to prepare them for rooting. This involves making clean cuts and removing excess foliage.

Steps for Preparing Cuttings:

1. Make a clean cut: Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, make a diagonal cut just below a node. This angled cut exposes more surface area for root development.
2. Remove lower leaves: Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2-3 inches of the cutting. This prevents rotting and focuses the plant’s energy on root growth.
3. Optional: Dip in rooting hormone: While not mandatory, dipping the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone can significantly enhance rooting success. Rooting hormone contains growth stimulants that encourage root formation.

Selecting the Right Rooting Medium

The rooting medium plays a vital role in providing optimal conditions for root development. A well-draining, moisture-retentive medium is ideal.

Popular Rooting Medium Options:

• Potting mix: A standard potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite for improved drainage is a suitable option.
• Sand: Coarse sand provides excellent drainage but may require more frequent watering.
• Coco coir: This natural fiber is highly absorbent and retains moisture well, making it an excellent choice for rooting cuttings.

Rooting the Cuttings

With your cuttings prepared and the rooting medium chosen, it’s time to start the rooting process.

Methods for Rooting Cuttings:

1. Water propagation: This method involves placing the cuttings in a jar or vase filled with water. Ensure the water is changed regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
2. Soil propagation: This method involves planting the cuttings in a pot filled with the chosen rooting medium. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Mist propagation: This method involves placing the cuttings in a humidity dome or propagator, where they are regularly misted with water. This creates a humid environment that encourages root development.

Providing Ideal Growing Conditions

Once the cuttings are rooted, it’s essential to provide them with the optimal growing conditions to promote healthy growth.

Essential Care for Rooted Cuttings:

• Light: Cherry laurel cuttings require bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Watering: Keep the rooting medium consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: Cherry laurel cuttings thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F.
• Humidity: Maintaining high humidity levels is crucial for successful rooting. Mist the cuttings regularly or use a humidity dome.

Transplanting the Rooted Cuttings

Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, typically after 6-8 weeks, they are ready to be transplanted.

Steps for Transplanting Rooted Cuttings:

1. Prepare the planting site: Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility.
2. Dig a hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the cutting.
3. Gently remove the cutting: Carefully remove the cutting from its rooting medium, taking care not to damage the roots.
4. Plant the cutting: Place the cutting in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring the root ball is completely covered.
5. Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted cuttings deeply to settle the soil around the roots.

Maintaining Your Cherry Laurel Plants

Once your cherry laurel plants are established, they require minimal maintenance.

Ongoing Care for Cherry Laurel Plants:

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer a few times during the growing season.
• Pruning: Prune regularly to maintain the desired shape and size.
• Pest and disease control: Monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to control them.

Beyond the Basics: Maximizing Success

While the steps outlined above provide a solid foundation for growing cherry laurel from cuttings, there are additional tips and techniques that can further enhance your chances of success.

Advanced Techniques for Propagation:

• Use rooting hormone: While not always necessary, dipping the cuttings in rooting hormone can significantly increase rooting success.
• Create a humidity dome: Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic dome or bag to create a humid environment that promotes root development.
• Bottom heat: Using a heating mat can provide gentle bottom heat, which encourages faster root growth.
• Regularly check for root development: Gently tug on the cuttings after a few weeks to check for resistance, indicating root formation.

The End of the Journey: Enjoying Your New Plants

Congratulations! You’ve successfully propagated your cherry laurel plants from cuttings. Now, enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these hardy shrubs in your garden for years to come.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Can I grow cherry laurel from cuttings taken in the fall?

While spring and early summer are ideal times for taking cuttings, you can also try taking cuttings in the fall. However, rooting success may be lower due to the cooler temperatures and shorter days.

2. How long does it take for cherry laurel cuttings to root?

Cherry laurel cuttings typically take 6-8 weeks to develop a strong root system. However, rooting time can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the rooting medium, and the overall health of the cuttings.

3. Can I grow cherry laurel from seed?

Yes, you can grow cherry laurel from seed. However, this process is more time-consuming and less reliable than propagation from cuttings. Seeds may take several months to germinate and the resulting plants may not be true to the parent plant.

4. What are some common pests and diseases that affect cherry laurel?

Cherry laurel is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. It can also be affected by diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.

5. How often should I prune my cherry laurel plants?

Pruning cherry laurel plants is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This allows for shaping and removing any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size.