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FAQs
Which Laurel Variety Should I Choose?
All Laurels are hardy, drought and pollution resistant, and tolerate at least half a day of shade, if not more. They are generally not fussy about soil type, but they all need decent drainage.
Common / Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): The cheapest and most vigorous, this hardy plant is suitable for almost any reasonably well drained soil and will grow close to streams and ponds, but on chalk we recommend Portugal Laurel.
Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica): A bit less vigorous and more expensive than Common Laurel, it has narrower leaves and thrives in any well drained soil, including shallow chalk.
Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica Variegata): For dry shade under other, larger plants and against a tall North facing wall, this relatively slow growing laurel is fantastic.
Bay Leaf Laurel (Laurus nobilis): Sold as both hedge plants and as ready-made topiary shapes like lollipops, this culinary herb is a great hedge choice for adding value to your property. It is hardy, but in the coldest parts of the North & Scotland it tends to suffer cosmetic leaf damage in winter.
What is the difference between Bareroot and Pot-Grown Laurel?
Bareroot laurel plants, where available, are by far the best value, the easiest to handle & plant because they weigh so little, and offer the most selection.
They are only delivered during winter and early spring, about November to March, when the plants are dormant, which is the best time of year to plant almost all woody species.
Some laurel varieties or larger sizes can only be delivered in pots, and some popular varieties are sold both bareroot in winter and potted the rest of the year.
There is nothing wrong with Pot Grown plants, but where you have a choice, bareroot is always even better!
Laurel plants range from slow growing to vigorous, depending on variety. It also depends on your location (plants generally grow faster in the warmer South & West than in the cooler East & North of Great Britain) and your local conditions (wind-shelter and full sun are ideal).
Common / Cherry Laurel growth rate: Up to about 60cm per year. Maximum height up to 8 metres.
Portugal Laurel growth rate: Up to about 30-50cm per year. Maximum height over 10 metres.
Spotted Laurel growth rate: Up to about 20cm per year. Maximum height under 2.5 metres.
Bay Leaf Laurel growth rate: Up to about 40cm per year. Maximum height over 10 metres.
However, as with any hedge, you must trim it to get lots of dense, bushy growth down to the base. So, there is a balance to be struck: aim to trim off at least 25% of the new growth in the first few years.
Bear in mind that it is common for most plants to put on very little height in their first year after being transplanted into your garden.
There is nothing wrong with this: they are laying down roots first, in readiness for growing upwards and filling out.
How big does a Laurel hedge grow?
A laurel hedge can be maintained from about 1 metre up to about 5 metres.