Castlewellan Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus 'Castlewellan' (v)

Water

Castlewellan Gold requires watering that keeps the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the first growing season, it's essential to establish a good root system, so watering should be done frequently, typically once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the root zone; for smaller plants, this may be around 1-2 gallons, while larger shrubs might require up to 5 gallons per session. After establishment, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, but during prolonged periods of dry weather, supplemental watering every two weeks may be necessary to maintain health.

Light

Castlewellan Gold thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes the best leaf color and overall health. It can also tolerate light shade, but its growth may be less vigorous and the foliage color less intense in such conditions.

Temperature

The Castlewellan Gold can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as about 90°F. However, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. Ensure that the shrub is protected from extreme cold and hot winds that can damage the foliage and stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Castlewellan Gold is typically done to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthier, denser growth. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Annual pruning is recommended, although some gardeners may choose to prune lightly again in mid-summer to maintain a neat appearance. Cut back shoots that spoil the symmetry of the plant and thin out the center to improve air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cherry Laurel 'Castlewellan' prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, around 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite would provide suitable conditions for healthy root growth and adequate drainage.

Repotting

Cherry Laurel 'Castlewellan' being a large shrub, is usually not repotted but rather planted directly in the ground. If it's grown in containers, young plants may be repotted every 2-3 years to encourage growth.

Humidity & Misting

Cherry Laurel 'Castlewellan' is adaptable but prefers a moderate humidity level. Being an outdoor plant, it generally thrives in the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit room & keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part shade, shield from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Prunus laurocerasus 'Castlewellan', commonly known as Castlewellan laurel, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy before germination. After germination, the seedling stage involves root and shoot development until the plant becomes an established sapling. As the sapling grows, it enters the vegetative stage where it develops a robust root system, stems, and foliage, with the bright golden-yellow leaves that are characteristic of this variety. The Castlewellan laurel then reaches maturity, characterized by its ability to flower and reproduce; it produces small white flowers in spring, which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small black fruits by late summer, which are typically dispersed by birds and other animals. In optimal conditions, this evergreen shrub can live for many years, with some specimens surviving for several decades if they are well-maintained and unafflicted by pests or diseases.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Prunus laurocerasus 'Castlewellan', commonly known as the Castlewellan cherry laurel, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is favored for its efficiency and reliably cloned plants. The best time for taking cuttings is in late summer or early fall when the plant's growth begins to slow and the stems are neither too soft nor too woody. To propagate, a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken with several leaves attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium and kept humid until roots have established, typically within a few weeks to a few months. It's important to maintain a consistent environment by keeping the temperature around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius) and providing indirect light until the cutting is fully rooted and ready to be transplanted.