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Fame Shock News

laurel bushes

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on August 08, 2026

Laurel, Caucasica – fast growing – 30/60cm per year. Laurel, Common – fast growing – 30/60cm per year. Laurel, Compact – slow growing – 10/20cm per year.

When should you plant a laurel hedge?

Bare-root laurel hedging plants can only be planted from November to March (i.e while the plants are dormant over the winter). Root-balled laurel are dug from the field with a ball of soil around the roots. This ball of soil is then wrapped in a piece of hessian or jute that holds the soil and roots together.

How fast do laurel hedges grow?

Depending on the species, laurel hedges grow between 15-60cm per year, but if your laurel isn’t growing quick enough for your garden, there are some ways you can speed up the process.

How far apart should you plant laurels?

We recommend planting Leylandii, Laurel and most other evergreen shrubs* between 60cm and 100cm apart (approximately 2-3 feet apart). 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.

Is a laurel a tree or a bush?

The laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree, variable in size and sometimes reaching 7–18 m (23–59 ft) tall. The genus Laurus includes four accepted species, whose diagnostic key characters often overlap. The bay laurel is dioecious (unisexual), with male and female flowers on separate plants.

What is the fastest growing evergreen for privacy?

Thuja x ‘Green Giant’

Green Giant might be the best evergreen for privacy. It has an extremely fast growth rate, putting on 3-4′ per year. It grows well in the humid southeast, which is unusual for Arborvitae.

How do you take care of laurel bushes?

Once you’ve planted your laurel hedging plants, you need to make sure they get enough water to keep them alive and growing well. Usually plants only need watering from March to October. During the winter months, they use less water and normally get enough from the rain.

Are laurel bushes poisonous to dogs?

Almost all species of Laurel hedge are poisonous to dogs, with the exception of Bay Laurel. If you share your home with a dog, it is recommended that you either choose Bay or an alternative species to prevent your pet from coming to any harm by ingesting any fallen leaves, berries etc.

How far from a fence should you plant a hedge?

How far from a wall or fence can I plant them? For Mixed/Traditional hedging 45cm – 60cm (18-24 inches) is adequate. If your planning to grow a tall hedge then slightly more space will be required.

Which laurel is best for hedging?

Portugal Laurel is the hardiest, and it also is the laurel hedge that clips the best. Common Laurel is the fastest growing laurel hedge and its large leaves are most effective at providing a sound and light barrier. It is the ideal evergreen hedge to reduce traffic pollution.

How do I encourage laurel growth?

One of the best ways to keep your hedge healthy and strong is by trimming off branches that are damaged or dead. Not only will trimming dead and damaged branches help your laurel grow faster but pruning into green growth every couple of months will help your laurel grow faster and thicker too.

How often should you water laurel hedging?

Your hedge will need plenty of water for the first two weeks so make sure you water them at least every other day or set up a continuous watering system.

How do you care for a laurel hedge?

Laurel hedges may be trimmed at any time during the season but its best to avoid the coldest months of the year as the cut edges may be susceptible to frost damage. Many text books advise trimming Laurel hedging plants with secateurs to avoid cut edges to the large leaves, it really isn’t necessary.

When can I cut back my laurel?

Hard Pruning Laurel Bushes or Hedges | When and How

Just do it! Laurels can be cut back as hard as you like from early spring through until late summer (late August). If after that time, then the best time to cut back hard in late winter. The new growth will soon start to shoot out as soon as the spring warmth begins.

How hard can you cut back laurel?

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.

Can you plant laurel cuttings straight into the ground?

Can you plant Laurel cuttings straight into the ground? Yes you can plant them right into your hedge line. You may however, find it easier to use the nursery bed option to keep the small cuttings closer together.

Why are the leaves on my laurel turning yellow?

Nutritional deficiency – A yellowing bay laurel can be caused by a nutritional deficiency, particularly in iron. If a plant is not receiving enough iron it decreases Chlorophyll which is a vital component of photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb energy from the sun. This results in yellow leaves at the edges.