Carolina Cherry Laurel

How to Manage Leaf Spot on Prunus During Winter

Leaf spot is common in Prunus during winter but easily managed with proper care. Here's our expert advice:

1. Fungicide Application: Spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide upon winter delivery and again in early spring.
2. Leaf Cleanup: Rake and dispose of fallen leaves, as the disease persists on old foliage and can re-infect the plant.
3. Adjust Irrigation: Ensure sprinkler heads do not spray water on the foliage. Wet leaves are more prone to leaf spot.

An annual fungicide spray in early spring helps keep your Prunus healthy and vibrant!

Prunus caroliniana Columns, also known as Cherry Laurel Columns, are popular for their tall, narrow, evergreen form, making them ideal for hedges, privacy screens, and vertical accents. Here’s a guide on how to plant and care for these versatile plants:

Planting Guide:

Location:

• Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Cherry Laurel Columns thrive in bright light but can tolerate some shade.
• Ensure there’s enough space for the plant to grow vertically without being obstructed by other structures or plants.
• Good air circulation around the plants helps prevent disease.

Soil:

• Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can adapt to various soil types, including sandy and clay, but good drainage is essential.
• The soil can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. If planting in very poor soil, consider adding compost to improve soil fertility.

Planting Steps:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Care Guide:

Watering:

• Water regularly during the first year to help establish a deep, extensive root system. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Once established, Cherry Laurel Columns are drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells will help maintain lush, green foliage.
• Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing:

• Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
• If the plant appears to be struggling or has yellowing leaves, consider a light second feeding in mid-summer.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive, weak growth.

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter to early spring to shape the plant and control its size. Regular trimming will encourage dense, bushy growth, making it ideal for hedges.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a neat appearance and promote healthy growth.
• Prune lightly throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape, especially if used as a formal hedge or screen.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Cherry Laurel Columns are generally pest-resistant, but watch out for aphids, scales, and caterpillars. Inspect regularly and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
• Ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

Mulching:

• Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Refresh the mulch as needed, but keep it away from the trunk to avoid rot.

Carolina Cherry Laurel – Instant Privacy Hedge Spacing Guide

When planting Carolina Cherry Laurel columns, spacing depends on the container size and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in. Below are the spacing recommendations for achieving an instant privacy hedge—a full, dense look immediately upon planting—along with the number of shrubs needed for 20 linear feet.

Instant Privacy Hedge

For immediate, dense coverage, plant the shrubs closer together, ensuring that their leaves almost touch. This creates a full privacy screen right away, offering maximum privacy, noise reduction, and a lush, green backdrop without the need to wait for the hedge to mature over time.

On-Center Spacing

On-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants. This method ensures uniform spacing across the hedge, promoting even growth and a consistent appearance.

Homeowners appreciate Cherry Laurel Columns for a variety of reasons:

Effective Privacy Screen:

• Prunus caroliniana Columns grow tall, dense, and upright, creating a natural privacy screen or hedge. Their thick, evergreen foliage effectively blocks out unwanted views and helps reduce noise, making them ideal for creating secluded and peaceful outdoor spaces.
• The columnar shape allows them to fit in narrower spaces where other plants might not be suitable, offering privacy without taking up too much room.

Low Maintenance:

• Cherry Laurel Columns are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance once established. They don’t need frequent pruning or special care, making them perfect for homeowners who want a beautiful, lush landscape without constant upkeep.
• Their drought tolerance also means less frequent watering, especially in areas with dry climates.

Fast Growth Rate:

• These plants have a fast growth rate, which allows homeowners to achieve a mature hedge or screen quickly. This is especially appealing for those who need to establish privacy or shade in a short period of time.
• Their ability to grow quickly makes them a reliable choice for filling gaps in the landscape or creating a green wall along fences and property lines.

Evergreen Foliage:

• As evergreens, Cherry Laurel Columns keep their lush, green foliage throughout the year, providing continuous coverage and color in the garden, even during winter months.
• This year-round greenery adds structure and visual interest to the landscape, making the garden look vibrant and full no matter the season.