Cherry laurel and European hornbeam are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Prunus laurocerasus 3 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing evergreen with glossy leaves and one of the most popular hedging plants: it grows in sun and shade alike and takes hard pruning well.…
Carpinus betulus 6 m × 4.5 m after 10 years
It makes a dense hedge that responds well to clipping, but grows into a large shade tree if left unpruned. The foliage turns yellow in autumn, and…
Cherry laurel is evergreen, European hornbeam is deciduous.
European hornbeam grows larger: 6 m × 4.5 m after ten years, against 3 m × 2.5 m for Cherry laurel (an estimate: sources differ).
European hornbeam is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -23 °C for Cherry laurel.
European hornbeam also takes chalky soil, Cherry laurel prefers acidic soil and struggles on chalk (an estimate: sources differ).
European hornbeam also takes heavy clay, Cherry laurel needs a loose, free-draining soil (an estimate: sources differ).
European hornbeam has pollen that can cause allergies, Cherry laurel does not.
Cherry laurel is the better choice if it must screen in winter too, space is tight or someone in the family has a pollen allergy.
European hornbeam is the better choice if the garden is cold or a frost pocket, the soil is chalky or the soil is heavy clay.
|
Feature
|
Cherry laurel
|
European hornbeam
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m (uncertain) | 6 m × 4.5 m (uncertain) |
| Ultimate size | 0.6–6 m × 1–4 m (uncertain) | 15–20 m × 9–12 m (uncertain) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium (uncertain) |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic (uncertain) | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7) |
| Heat tolerance | Medium | Medium (uncertain) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, white | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planted as a hedge | 2.5 plants per running metre | 3.5 plants per running metre |
| For dogs | Toxic | no data |
| For cats | Toxic | no data |
| For children | Toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | about CZK 400 (60–100 cm) | about CZK 33 (< 40 cm) |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 26, 2026
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