Cherry laurel or thuja for a hedge?
Cherry laurel and Thuja Smaragd are the most requested hedge plants, but they suit different situations. Both are evergreen and form dense screens; the differences relate to space, shade, growth rate and appearance.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | Cherry laurel | Thuja Smaragd |
|---|
| Type | Broadleaf shrub with glossy leaves | Conifer with scale-like foliage |
| Growth per year | 30–50 cm | 20–30 cm |
| Hedge width | Wider (usually 80–150 cm) | Narrow (60–100 cm) |
| Shade | Tolerates full shade too | Prefers sun or partial shade |
| Trims per year | 1–2 | 0–1 |
| Noise screen | Very good (large leaves) | Good |
| Plants per metre | 2–3 | 2–3 |
| Toxicity | Fruit and leaves are toxic | Not usually considered dangerous |
When to choose cherry laurel
- You have shaded areas: courtyards, spaces between blocks, under large trees.
- You need a dense hedge sooner.
- You also want to reduce street noise.
- You have enough width.
Cherry laurel is a very good fit for residential developments, car parks and commercial spaces, where a wide, glossy hedge looks neat all year.
When to choose Thuja Smaragd
- Width is limited, for example along a fence or a path.
- You want a neat look with minimal maintenance, without frequent trimming.
- The site is sunny.
- You prefer the look of conifers.
Thuja Smaragd remains the most popular choice for private gardens and small plots. However, pay attention to regular watering in the first two years, especially in summer.
A third option: combining them
In larger projects the two can be combined by zone: cherry laurel in shaded areas and where there is room, thuja on narrow, sunny sections. For colour accents, Photinia Red Robin combines very well with cherry laurel.
Both species are available wholesale in several heights in the wholesale hedge plants category. For a quote, send us the hedge length and desired height via the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Which grows faster, cherry laurel or thuja?
Cherry laurel grows faster, about 30–50 cm per year, compared with 20–30 cm per year for Thuja Smaragd.
Which is better in shade?
Cherry laurel tolerates shade much better; Thuja Smaragd prefers sunny or partly shaded sites.
Plants from this guide, available wholesale