Laurel, a hardy evergreen shrub, it is often planted as a large ground cover or under-planting beneath forest trees. If left untended you may get a chance to see how large and rampant it can grow. In some cases, its mature stems grow serpentine-like, through and around the surrounding plants and trees. In cases such as this a single laurel plant can grow to the extremes of 7 metres wide (21ft), with a similar height. Within the garden, we gardeners tend to grow this laurel as a formal hedge or screen with much smaller dimensions due to pruning.
Growth rate, leaves, flowers and fruit
It is a hedge that will grow in conditions other hedges dread. Many people refer to it as a weed because of how well it grows. Whether the situation is full sun, partial shade, deep shade, damp soil or dry soil, laurel will do well. Space laurel plants at 2ft centres in a row to run the length of your hedge. This hedging plant does not exactly possess the “Formula 1″ growth rate of the Leylandii (Leyland Cyprus), you can realistically expect it to grow 1ft a year once established. With large, leathery, dark green leaves, many believe the foliage is superior to that of the Leylandii, It is more attractive and will reflect extra light into your garden due to sheen on the leaves upper surface.
When and how to trim
I am often asked when is the best time of year to attempt the trimming of your laurel hedge. Well, in this area from April to the end of July is the time of year when most of the growth happens. It does grow throughout the rest of the year but at a very slow rate compared to that period.
So, a good time to trim your laurel hedging plants is in August, September or October. You can trim at other times of the year and many people do. In fact, many people have their hedges trimmed twice or even three times a year to keep them looking great throughout the year. However, the earlier they are trimmed in the summer, the earlier they will put on fresh growth to cover your trimming cuts. Try to trim laurel during a dry spell, as a bacterium know as Pseudomonas syringae can enter through trimming cuts created in damp weather. This unpleasant bacterium leads to the laurel dieback disease called bacterial canker. Trimming laurel with gas or electric hedge-trimmers are the fastest way to trim your hedge but some people with lots of time still use secateurs instead.
Do you need to transplant some Laurel? Well, Laurel plants tend to tolerate transplanting better in early spring or in early autumn.
If you need help with your hedge trimming in Powell River just give me a call and I’ll be glad to help you out.