English Laurel Hedge: Cultivar Choices and Pruning Requirements

If you received a named cultivar of English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), it may stay small enough for a hedge: 'Otto Luyken' (3-4 ft tall, 5-7 ft wide), 'Schip' laurel (4-5 ft tall, 5-8 ft wide), 'Zabel' laurel (5-6 ft tall, 6-8 ft wide). If it's the straight species, it can reach 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide, growing up to 2 feet per year. It can be kept smaller with regular pruning, but that's a significant commitment. Verify with your supplier which you received.