Common
Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus Rotundifolia)
Common
Laurel or Cherry Laurel is a large evergreen
hedging shrub or small tree with big mid-green shiny leaves that
are darker on top and paler on the underside. Common Laurel
is generally grown as a hedge plant although it is also an excellent
small specimen tree for a dark corner. Laurel
is an ideal screen or noise barrier as it makes a thick, pollution
tolerant hedge, perfect for roadside planting - its heavy leaves
block out light and deaden sound. Laurel is also
first rate cover for game and small animals for all the same reasons
except here its heavy foliage reduces wind chill and retains heat.
If left untrimmed, Common Laurel produces fragrant
white flowers in spring, followed by poisonous (and foul tasting)
red/black cherry-like fruit which give it its other name of Cherry
Laurel.
Laurel is a problem solving plant. It tolerates
deep shade and although - like practically every plant - laurel
prefers a deep well drained loam, it will grow in practically
anything. With the proviso that it must be well watered while
it is establishing itself, Laurel will even do
quite well in dry soil. Amongst its many uses therefore Common
Laurel is one of the few shrubs that work well as understory
- planted below much larger trees. If you prefer something with
smaller darker leaves that otherwise has all the qualities of
Common Laurel, then why not try Portugal
Laurel
Laurel hedging should be planted at 2 plants
per metre. Our plants have already been cut back hard, so no initial
pruning is needed and they will branch well in spring
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Barerooted laurel hedging plants are easy to grow when you know how. Dig a trench, improve the soil with very well rotted compost or manure (at least 2 years old) and work the soil to a good crumbly consistency. Plant Laurel so the root collar is just above soil level and firm the ground around the roots very well - use all your body weight but do not stamp!
Keep the soil moist, but not sodden well into May. Laurel leaves have a huge surface area and therefore the plants need plenty of water while the roots are establishing.
If you are planting Laurel in a windy or cold spot, either erect a temporary wind barrier, or cover the plants with agricultural fleece until you see new growth appearing.
Laurel is enormously hardy once established, but it is easily stressed in its first few months after planting out. Laurel can lose all its leaves if this happens. Please don't panic - these do regrow, but the hedge can look unsightly for a month or two.
If you need instant impact, then buy container grown laurel which will look good from the day they are planted.
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