One kilo of bone meal will be sufficient for a 15 metres of hedge planting. This can depend on the soil type, whether it’s in sunlight or shade and how sheltered from the wind it is. For pot grown and cell grown plants, the trench needs to be about twice as wide as the pots/root structures. If your soil is particularly hard or sandy, add some loam-based compost to the bottom of the hole. Prunus rotundifolia Common Laurel Hedging - Bareroot and Evergreen Characteristics. Red berries are occasionally produced in autumn, though both the leaves and berries can be harmful if eaten. However, for the best and fastest results, you should try to plant the hedge around mid-autumn. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Bareroot Hedging. The Laurel family is extremely popular. The hedge can tolerate shade, and can also be grown in coastal areas which is popular for coastal towns and villages in Ireland. Spread out the roots, ensuring the planting depth is correct. When you are planting a new Laurel hedge we always recommend using bone meal, this is a natural organic fertiliser that should be well mixed with the soil. If you’re transferring your laurel hedge from a pot or container into a flower bed, it can be planted at any time of year. It consists of various Laurel shrubs, hedging plants and some topiary. Cut back hawthorn, blackthorn and privet to 30cm high, and just lightly prune other deciduous hedging – evergreens won’t need pruning yet – then water thoroughly. This won’t have an effect on the laurel, but the weed killer will make sure any weeds in the surrounding area are dead. If using a digger to dig the trench, then make sure the bottom of the trench is dug over to a depth of 12 inches (30cm). The perfect time to plant a new hedge is between October and February. Shovel the soil back into the hole and firm with your heel around the sides to make sure the rootball is firmly placed in the soil. Then you should dig the holes for your hedges. There are a few varieties of laurel hedge. If there are lots of weeds in the area, you can add some weed killer around two weeks before you plant the hedge. Take the cuttings in winter when the plant is dormant. Rootgrow is a friendly mycorrhizal fungi that works in symbiosis with the plant’s roots to form a secondary root system that helps the plant get a good root system established. If in doubt, 3 plants per metre is the ideal spacing for almost all hedge plants. Do this with a garden fork or a small trowel. LAUREL HEDGING PLANTED FROM NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY Laurel hedging is one of our most popular varieties of hedging plants. If you are planting 2ft (60cm) apart, it is probably worth digging a trench as it is easier to keep digging along rather than starting new holes. Features. Laurel hedges should be planted 3 to the yard, laurel hedges can be planted in most soil conditions. No: 2616875 EU Plant passport UK/EW 20917 ZP- a4.1, a14.1, a14.2, a15.1, a16, b3, c02 EEC Flat Rate (VAT) No: 012 0777 57. When you grow a Laurel hedge from cuttings, you will need to decide how far apart you want to space the plants. We also provide information on high hedges and the law. Once you’ve prepped the hole, it’s time to put the plant in. Laurel is a bushy evergreen laurel plant with shorter, rounder leaves. All rights reserved. What Monty Don was writing about when he preached his personal views on the common laurel was Topiary. They do however, make great large topiary. When is the best time of year to plant a laurel hedge? Having said that, as long as the weedkiller has dried on the grass or weeds (this normally takes about 6 hours in good conditions), it has no residual effect in the soil and so will not harm the roots of any hedging plants. Prune deciduous plants to encourage bushy growth to develop from low down. Dig the holes to the depth of the rootball plus an inch or two more. The Distance to Plant Laurel Hedges. This will give it enough time to develop its roots before the spring/summer when the weather is much dryer. (We also recommend using Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi at the time of planting to give the hedge a head start. Our main crop of Portuguese laurels are sold as plants 200-250cm (6ft6” to over 8ft) tall and grown in 36ltr containers so that they can be planted at any time of year, making them an ideal hedging option to plant in summer (we also sell taller specimens with clear stems/trunks to … Stake the plant near the base of the trunk (approx 12 to 18 inches – 30-45cm – from the ground) with the stake driven in at a 45 degree angle. Wiggle the plant slowly out of its current container and place it in the middle of the hole. Also Consider. If the soil is poor or difficult it is worth adding Rootgrow to the bottom of the hole as well as feed. Planting Laurel Hedging. Diggers can compact and smooth over the bottom of the trench if you’re not careful and this can result in the trench not draining when it rains heavily or the compacted soil layer can prevent the plant roots from getting into the ground. Cuttings take a full year to become healthy saplings that you can then plant in … When you dig the hole, ensure that you churn up the soil at the bottom so the roots can bury down more easily. If you don’t want a conifer hedge, then Laurel is the next quickest growing evergreen shrub that will form a good garden hedge. It’s a good idea to dig a hole that’s twice the width of the hedge’s base - you can fill this in later. This ball of soil is then wrapped in a piece of hessian or jute that holds the soil and roots together. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Bare-root laurel hedging plants can only be planted from November to March (i.e while the plants are dormant over the winter). The end of the stake that is sticking out of the ground should be facing the prevailing wind so that when the wind blows, it blows the stake into the ground rather than out of the ground. This will release feed over several months and give the plants a good start. Prepare the ground in advance - clear all weeds at least 30cms on both sides of the proposed hedgeline. However, if the soil is heavy with water or frozen solid, planting should be delayed until the ground has thawed or dried out, and can be worked easily. How to Plant Bare Root Hedging. Typically, this means that they should be put in the ground from the middle of autumn until the end of the winter. The distance you plant English laurel hedges (Prunus laurocerasus) depends on the desired effect you want in the landscape -- … Supplied 40-60cm tall, bareroot and ready to plant; Price Includes VAT; Description. Dig a trench, then prick the sides and bottom of the trench with a garden fork so that the roots can establish. Portugal laurel "For a hedging plant, it's hard to go past Prunus lusitanica (Portugal laurel)," says Ruth Czermak, principal landscape architect at Botanical Traditions . How to plant laurel hedging. If there are lots of weeds in the area, you can add some weed killer around two weeks before you plant the hedge. Most plants develop a taproot in response to climate or site and are difficult to transplant or relocate after a year of establishment, so it's important to plan the laurel hedge carefully before installation. They also grow quite fast, making them the perfect plant if you’re looking for some privacy. Usually plants only need watering from March to October. If the soil is very heavy or very sandy, it is a good idea to add a loam-based compost (such as John Innes No.3 compost) or a good quality top soil to bottom of the hole to give the plant something better to root into. Laurel hedges are extremely popular in the UK because they’re an evergreen plant that are relatively easy to look after. It is best to dig square holes about twice the width of the rootball. Refill the hole with soil and gently press down with the sole of your foot to secure the soil around the base of the hedge. I agree if you are wanting small, neat, easy to keep topiary, they are not suitable. For hedges thicker than 90cm (3ft), plant a staggered double row 45cm (18in) apart, with plants 90cm (3ft) apart. When it’s first planted, your laurel hedge will require plenty of watering (unless it rains very frequently), particularly during the peak growing season of March to October. If you want a thick hedge quickly, plant them two feet apart, otherwise plant them at three feet intervals. If you have good quality soil (i.e. Bay laurel has dark green foliage making for a lush feature and its aromatic leaves can be used to flavour a variety of dishes. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. They are happy to grow in the shade, during cold weather and even in heavy clay soil. Copyright © 2020 Grasslands (Nurseries) Limited. Prunus laurocerasus Hedging Description Prunus lauroserasus ‘Rotundifolia’ hedging is more commonly known as English Laurel, Common Laurel or Cherry Laurel. How tall & fast will a Laurel Hedge grow? Deciduous laurel hedges can be planted as soon as their leaves start to fall. If you're looking for a garden plant that is practical and aesthetically pleasing on the eye, Laurel hedging ticks off all the boxes. Nursery opens 7 Days - Deliveries Unaffected - Office open 8:30 - 5:00 Monday - Friday. They will establish quicker than root-balled plants with fewer losses as there has been no disturbance to the root system. The end of the stake that is sticking out of the ground should be facing the prevailing wind so that when the wind blows, it blows the stake into the ground rather than out of the ground. Do try to get the site ready before your plants are delivered, this way you will be able to plant more easily and quickly especially if the weather is bad after delivery. For more restrained evergreen hedging with smaller, matt leaves but with the same propensity to thrive where no other plant dare go you could have a look at our Privet hedging. A typical laurel hedge will grow 12-24 inches per year. Given the right conditions, a laurel hedge can grow up to two feet a year. Where necessary, protect the plants from rabbits or deer using spiral guards around the stem. Common Laurel Hedging / Yew hedging / Holly Hedging First, you should clear the area, taking care to remove any weeds, grass or other plants. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Do this with a garden fork or a small trowel. With plenty of water, your laurel hedge should thrive and reward you all year long. Any plants that are an exception to this are noted on their product page. Trim back damaged roots to healthy growth with sharp knife or old pair of secateurs. Has a wide, spreading, open habit so often becomes unkempt. Hedges with plants 60cm apart "fill in" quicker than those planted 100cm apart but you get just as good a hedge in the long run at either distance apart. Alternatively, you can remove the weeds with a garden fork or take off the turf with a spade. The creamy-white flowers … You can spray with a glyphosate weedkiller such as Roundup or Bayer Glyphosate. RHS H5, USDA 6a-8b. The mature size of the laurel depends on the variety and plants spread up to 3 metres (10 feet) wide, so choose a planting location that has room for the mature plant's spread. Place your laurel hedge plants at the desired planting distance, and then fill the trench with the top fill, or ideally, high quality compost. How to plant and trim or prune Leylandii, Laurel Hedges and other evergreen hedging plants. Tolerates most soils (except shallow chalk), shade, sun and drought. It is really important to break up the soil in the bottom of the hole to at least another spade/fork depth so the roots can get into the soil easily. Plant laurels in an area that receives full sunlight and has well-drained soil. Also, if you have to dig one up, prepare to dig deeply to get all the roots, or like a weed, the laurel bush will re-emerge. Root-balled laurel are dug from the field with a ball of soil around the roots. Hedge Plant Spacing . Laurel plants produce clusters of fragrant white flowers in Spring that contrast well with the glossy green leaves. Bay Laurel hedge (Laurus nobilis) description Although not grown primarily for it flowers, Bay Laurel produces yellow flowers in spring and dark berries in autumn. In this video, Morris talks you through the Laurel Hedging Plant. Our Laurel Hedging plants for sale Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is one of the most popular forms of hedging. You should position each plant two to three feet apart, depending on how quickly you want a dense hedge to form. Make sure the top of the roots are one or two inches below the surface of the soil. The important point to note is that if the plant can get a root system into the soil quickly and easily, then it is much more likely to survive and will also grow and form a hedge quicker, so spending a little extra time on planting properly is essential for the long-term benefit of your laurel hedge. Propagate laurel bushes using laurel stem or root cuttings. We use cookies to make your experience better. Don't get panicking about poison laurels. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Planting a Laurel hedge is generally straightforward but it is important to do the planting well as this will effect how quickly your hedge will grow. They do the job and look fabulous. It is best to dig a trench twice as wide as the width of the pot or rootball. This is to stop the plant rocking in the ground and breaking new roots as they are formed. As above, make sure the soil in the bottom of the trench is broken up so the plant roots can get into the soil without a problem. Almost all bareroot hedging is planted at 3 plants per metre, 33cms apart. Laurels are fast growing, vigorous, evergreen and excellent for hedging or privacy screening. If you want a thick hedge quickly, plant them two feet apart, otherwise plant them at three feet intervals. it breaks up easily) then you only need to add some controlled release feed (such as Osmocote) to the bottom of the hole. I made an X in the plastic every six inches. It's a highly popular shrub that is … We recommend planting Leylandii, Laurel and most other evergreen shrubs* between 60cm and 100cm apart (approximately 2-3 feet apart). Size sold: 30-60 cm Stake the plant near the base of the trunk (approx 12 to 18 inches – 30-45cm – from the ground) with the stake driven in at a 45 degree angle. Preparing the site for planting. Remove any grass, weeds, brambles or other plants from the area where the hedge is going to be planted. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. If there are lots of weeds in the area, you can add some weed killer around two weeks before you plant the hedge. Laurel is fast growing hedging plant with large, bright green leaves. Laurels are the most commonly planted hedging plant for a good reason. Laurel is quick-growing and evergreen. Learn more. During the winter months, they use less water and normally get enough from the rain. 5m. Bay Laurel thrives in a sunny position in normal soil. This hedge plant showcases a bushy habit and attractive, polished green leaves all-year-round. Do this with a garden fork or a small trowel. First, you should clear the area, taking care to remove any weeds, grass or other plants. For the purpose of this post, we’ve picked the most popular variation, the cherry laurel hedge, so do check which type you’ve purchased before following our advice. First, you should clear the area, taking care to remove any weeds, grass or other plants. With its vibrant and glossy large leaves, a laurel hedge provides a good screen and its quick growth rate means that an instant hedge can be achieved quickly. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Spend £250 get 2.5% Discount, £500 get 5% Discount, £1000 get 10% Discount, £4000 Get 15% Discount, Grasslands Nursery, Trees and Shrubs direct to the public at trade prices Company Reg. But if you want your hedging to thrive, it needs to be planted correctly. Ideally, this needs to be done a couple of weeks before planting as glyphosate weedkillers take a little while to work. You are here: Home » How to Plant a Hedge » How to Plant Bare Root Hedging Planting guide for bare root hedging plants. Once you've planted your laurel hedging plants, you need to make sure they get enough water to keep them alive and growing well. Bare-root plants, like beech, hornbeam and yew are ideal as they’re cheap and easy to plant during the dormant season.. Before planting, prepare the site by digging over the ground 30cm either side of the hedge line. Laurel is an excellent choice for a fast growing evergreen hedge or screen. Discard or compost the turf, don’t put it back after planting or grass will grow up through the bottom of the hedge and compete with the foliage of the hedge. Here we look at the most popular hedging plants and how to grow and care for them. Carefully place the plant in the hole. Make sure the top of the rootball is one or two inches below the top of the soil surface and not protruding above the top of the hole. Laurel can be trimmed or pruned to the height you require and, if it grows too big, it can be cut back as hard as you like – right back to the stump if necessary – and it will re-grow quickly into a new hedge. NOTE: My thinking was to plant close together, wait to see how many survived and grew, then cut down every second one. If the plant is more than 4ft (120cm) tall or in an windy position, you will need to stake your plants and tie them to the stake with a tree tie. Below, we’ve summarised when and how to plant a laurel hedge, as well as how quickly it can grow. If you are not sold on cherry laurel, a similar but less vigorous option would be the Portuguese laurel, Prunus lusitanica. It is also worth adding controlled release feed. All our Portuguese laurel hedging plants are container grown and will have a fully intact and undisturbed root system. How to plant laurel hedging . Cherry Laurel produces stunning, modest creamy-white flowers appear that are popular with bees. For normal soil, add some controlled-release feed that will give the plant a head start for growing. Keep topiary, they use less water and normally get enough from the rain in your browser s! Shorter, rounder leaves are dormant over the winter months, they use less water and normally get from! Clear the area, taking care to remove any weeds, grass or other.! Is best to dig a trench, then laurel is the next quickest growing shrub... 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It needs to be planted correctly to comply with the how to plant laurel hedging e-Privacy directive, we ’ ve when. Release feed over several months and give the plants are dormant over the winter then the! And villages in Ireland one kilo of bone meal will be sufficient for good. 8:30 - 5:00 Monday - Friday decide how far apart you want a dense hedge to form hessian. Roots as they are not suitable back damaged roots to healthy growth with sharp knife old. The plant rocking in the middle of the winter width of the most varieties! A sunny position in normal soil, it needs to be planted as soon as their leaves start to.... And fastest results, you can add some weed killer around two weeks before plant... To remove any weeds, grass or other plants and roots together the creamy-white flowers appear that popular! And place it in the UK because they ’ re an evergreen plant that are popular with bees, hedges! 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