Description
Properties of Mature Portuguese Laurel hedge Plants
- Fast growing, evergreen hedge plant.
- Slower growth rate than Laurel Hedge Plants Portuguese Laurels have a Growth rate of 30-50cms per year.
- The plants have Dark Green Leaves, a Conical shape and Red Stems.
- Evergreen and retain colour and leaf over the Winter months.
- This makes them an ideal option for a garden hedge as a mature hedge offers security, shelter, privacy and noise reduction while maintaining a glossy green Winter appearance.
- Other evergreen hedging options are Laurel Hedging , Box-Hedging and Photinia Red Robin
Description
The leaves of the Portuguese laurel hedging plants are conical in shape, pointed at the tips, dark green in colour with red stems. Small, fragrant white flowers up 25cm in length are seen on some plants in early summer. These flowers are followed by small, dark purple fruits in Autumn months. These flowers and berries make them an attractive hedge for bees and other insects.
How & When to Plant your Mature Portuguese Laurel Hedge
- Mature Portuguese Laurel Hedge plants are grown in 10L pots which can be planted out into the garden.
- They can be planted any time of the year, as the root system has been established in the pot.
- These mature bushy plants can be planted 2 feet apart to give a bushy hedge over time.
- If planted in a warm or dry period, they should be watered regularly to ensure it’s growth.
Tips & Tricks for looking after your Mature Portuguese Laurel Hedge
- They grow well in shade or in full sun.
- They are ideal plants for most soil types and pH’s but do not like very wet ground.
- It is important to keep plants watered in the first year of growth.
- Portuguese laurels will survive in temps as low as -23C.
- Moderately fast growing and like cherry laurels, these plants will take a trimming well.
- Recommended time for Trimming is usually done in late Spring or Summer when new growth appears on the hedge.
- Trimming encourages new bushy growth.
- When planting Portuguese laurels, make sure the area is clear of weeds to avoid competition for the plants.
- Dig a trench or hole deep enough to cover the roots.
- Measure out the spacing between the plants.
- Remove the plant from the pot and place in the trench.
- Be careful not to damage the delicate root system.
- Till & break up the removed soil well to encourage aeration of the soil.
- Shovel back in this well-tilled soil. Firm the plant by walking in the plant to secure it.
- Keep the plant well walked in for the coming weeks, especially after windy conditions.
- We also recommend a regular feeding to provide the plant with nutrients for growth.
After care for the Mature Portuguese laurel hedging plants.
- The presence of yellow leaves developing on the plant is a sign of stress.
- This stress could be a response to over or under watering the plants.
- Plants will need regular and consistent watering in the drier Summer Months.
- Annual pruning is also required and necessary to maintain a healthy bushy hedge.
- Please always remember to use clean pruning equipment.
- Annual feeding of hedging plants is also recommended.
- Chicken Manure Pellets are a clean and effective fertiliser.
- Dispose of hedge clippings in organic waste receptacles, do not leave discard in fields or in the presence of animals as clipping can often be dangerous to animals if ingested.
Characteristics of Mature Portuguese Laurel Hedging plants
Type: Moderately fast Growing
Soil: nutrient rich moist soil
Status: Hardy in cold weather,
Position: Sun or light shade
Flowering: White flowers in spring
Footage of our Natural Nursery can be viewed on Carlow LEO
