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Laurel plants

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Tracysshed
15/01/2013 at 18:18
Could anyone help.i would like to make a hedge out of laurel in the spring out of laurel.how far apart do they need to be planted and do they grow quickly or do they take there time .if they is a faster growing plant that I could use instead to grow as a hedge could you let me know thank you.
chilli lover
15/01/2013 at 19:36

Hi Tracy

We have a gi-normorous laurel hedge at the bottom of the lawn but it has been there for yonks so I cannot advise on anything! However googling 'planting a laurel hedge' gives loads of hits, some of which might help. I'm sure some of the more experienced posters will help. You say a faster growing plant could be used so what exactly do you want to achieve?

Tracysshed
15/01/2013 at 19:40
I would like to make a hedge that won't take years and years to grow. It's to hide the passing traffic on the main road and to hide the awful wire fencing at the front of my house
BobTheGardener
15/01/2013 at 19:45

Laurel is the fastest growing evergreen shrub suitable for hedging that I can think of.  Do keep on top of the pruning when it matures though, otherwise it can get out of hand (you will end up with a row of laurel trees!)  The good news is that overgrown laurel can be cut back hard (to the ground if needed) and it will quickly grow back.  As you are making a hedge, I'd suggest planting them about 40 to 50cm apart.  Also best prune using secateurs as a normal hedge trimmer will damage the leaves which will then look a bit unsightly and may allow diseases to enter, such as leaf spot and shothole. 

Tracysshed
15/01/2013 at 20:02
Thank you chilli lover and bob the gardener you have given me loads of help I best look out for some to buy now
lynne24
16/01/2013 at 17:58

hi, do laurel need a lot of sun? you have given me an idea tracyshed  

Tracysshed
16/01/2013 at 18:40
Hi lynne24 I have no idea but the front of my house has sun all morning in good weather so I hope they like sun.
lynne24
16/01/2013 at 19:02

hi tracyshed, i had a look on another site, they ok in sun or semi shade, so good luck to both of us

 

chilli lover
16/01/2013 at 19:43

Ours is in a dip in the land, bordering a stream, running north/south and gets next to no sunshine except the rising and setting sun and it has no problems flourishing!

Tracysshed
16/01/2013 at 19:45
Oh we'll done Lynne 24 for looking well yes best get buying then yes good luck to you too. We will have to let each other know how we get on later in the year with our laurels.
lynne24
16/01/2013 at 23:32

ha ha good idea

Tim Burr
17/01/2013 at 02:02
Be aware that laurel leaves contain cyanolipids that can release cyanide and benzaldehyde in some quantity when shredding leaves - the smell of cyanide can also be detected if simply hedge trimming - cyanide smells of sweet almonds! Probably little harm in the open air, but the risk is increased if you shred the plant, and then load the shredded leaves in to the car and drive off to the garden recycling tip with the windows shut. The Roman Emporer Nero used water steeped with Laurel leaves to poison the wells of enemies!
Lyn
17/01/2013 at 16:17

I planted a laurel hedge along our front last December, put plenty of home made compost (from heap) and some bonemeal down the hole, picked out the tops and they have grown loads in spite of the weather, but I think they enjoyed the rain. They need regular picking out when they are young to make a nice bushy plant at the bottom. 

I have them down the back edge of the garden, they have been there for 20 years, and have been kept at 4 - 5' tall, lovely evergreen, and easy to manage. the birds love to nest in there. 

I would recommend them.

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