5 Companion Plants that Work Perfectly with Otto Luyken Laurel

The Beauty of Otto Luyken Laurel

Otto Luyken Laurel, also known as Cherry Laurel, is a popular evergreen shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and wide. This plant is well-known for its attractive foliage, which features glossy green leaves that stay on the plant all year round. It is also prized for its fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

If you're looking to add an Otto Luyken Laurel to your garden, then it's important to consider the plant's companions carefully. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants that work perfectly with Otto Luyken Laurel.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting involves the strategic placement of plants that complement each other's growth and benefit each other in various ways. There are several benefits of companion planting, including:

- Pest control: Certain plants act as natural pest repellents, keeping harmful insects and pests away from their companions.

- Nutrient sharing: Some plants have deep roots that can access nutrients in the soil that may be inaccessible to other plants. They can share these nutrients with their companions through a process called allelopathy.

- Improved soil health: Companion plants can help improve soil health by adding nitrogen, breaking up compacted soil, and improving drainage.

Top 5 Companion Plants for Otto Luyken Laurel

1. Hostas

Hostas are shade-loving plants that make perfect companions for Otto Luyken Laurel. They feature large leaves that come in a variety of colors and textures, adding visual interest to your garden. Additionally, hostas have deep roots that help improve soil health by breaking up compacted soil and adding organic matter.

How to plant hostas with Otto Luyken Laurel:

Plant hostas in the shade of your Otto Luyken Laurel, taking care not to overcrowd the area. Make sure the soil is well-draining and water regularly to keep the plants healthy.

2. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are popular shrubs that are loved for their beautiful flowers. They make great companions for Otto Luyken Laurel because they both prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. Hydrangeas also attract pollinators, adding even more beauty to your garden.

How to plant hydrangeas with Otto Luyken Laurel:

Plant hydrangeas near your Otto Luyken Laurel, taking care to provide them with enough space to grow. Water regularly and fertilize with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage flowering.

3. Azaleas

Azaleas are another popular shrub that works perfectly as a companion for Otto Luyken Laurel. They both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, making them a perfect match. Azaleas also come in a variety of colors, adding visual interest to your garden.

How to plant azaleas with Otto Luyken Laurel:

Plant azaleas near your Otto Luyken Laurel, making sure to provide them with well-draining, acidic soil. Water regularly and fertilize with an acidifying fertilizer to keep the plants healthy.

4. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts are delicate plants that are loved for their heart-shaped flowers. They make great companions for Otto Luyken Laurel because they both prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Bleeding Hearts also attract pollinators, adding even more beauty to your garden.

How to plant Bleeding Hearts with Otto Luyken Laurel:

Plant Bleeding Hearts near your Otto Luyken Laurel, making sure to provide them with enough space to grow. Water regularly and mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil.

5. Ferns

Ferns are shade-loving plants that make great companions for Otto Luyken Laurel. They feature delicate fronds that add texture and visual interest to your garden. Additionally, ferns have deep roots that help improve soil health by breaking up compacted soil and adding organic matter.

How to plant Ferns with Otto Luyken Laurel:

Plant ferns in the shade of your Otto Luyken Laurel, taking care not to overcrowd the area. Make sure the soil is well-draining and water regularly to keep the plants healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otto Luyken Laurel Companion Plants

1. Can I plant other shrubs with Otto Luyken Laurel?

Yes, you can plant other shrubs with Otto Luyken Laurel as long as they prefer similar growing conditions. Some good options include azaleas, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons.

2. How much sun does Otto Luyken Laurel need?

Otto Luyken Laurel prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and sparse.

3. Can I plant herbs with Otto Luyken Laurel?

Yes, you can plant herbs with Otto Luyken Laurel as long as they prefer similar growing conditions. Some good options include parsley, mint, and chives.

4. What kind of soil does Otto Luyken Laurel prefer?

Otto Luyken Laurel prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.

5. How often should I water Otto Luyken Laurel?

Otto Luyken Laurel prefers moist soil, so you should water it regularly. During the growing season, you should aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, you can reduce watering to once every two weeks.



When it comes to planting Otto Luyken Laurel in your garden, choosing the right companions is key. By selecting plants that complement its growth, you can create a beautiful and healthy garden that will thrive for years to come.