How fast does Prunus angustifolia grow?
Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’) has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 20–40 cm per year in ideal conditions. When trained as a topiary lollipop, its growth rate may slow slightly due to regular pruning, which helps maintain its compact and structured form. What are the disadvantages of Portuguese Laurel? The slow growth rate of Portuguese Laurel may be a disadvantage as it takes time to establish a mature hedge. Additionally, regularly pruning Laurel is necessary to maintain its shape and density.Consider using Portuguese laurel for hedges in sunny or partly shaded spots with moist but well drained soils. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, until established. Trim regularly to keep it in shape.If you have a good amount of space, there’s plenty you can plant in front of your cherry laurel hedge. A border planted with a mix of shrubby, evergreen and herbaceous perennials will create a long season of interest, while silver-leaved and white-flowered plants will contrast well with the fresh green of the laurel.Just like if you want your Laurel hedge to grow faster, regular pruning should help to encourage lateral branching, causing it to thicken. Give the sides a trim and remove a few inches of new growth to promote denser foliage.
What is the difference between Prunus lusitanica and Angustifolia?
Commonly known as the narrow leaf Portuguese Laurel or Portugal Laurel and also as Prunus Lusitanica Myrtifolia. The variety of Laurel is very similar to the Prunus Lusitanica but it has slightly narrower longer slimmer leaves which are a darker green and has a more compact growth habit. 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.You must also note that the leaves and berries are harmful if eaten, as with other varieties in the Laurel family (except Bay). As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun.As stated above, bare-root laurel needs to be planted from November to March, before the spring and summer. However, container grown laurel hedging can be planted year round.The ideal time to prune your Portuguese Laurel is in late spring or early summer, after the plant has finished flowering. This timing allows the Portuguese Laurel plants to recover and grow vigorously during the warmer months. However, light pruning can be done throughout the year to remove dead or damaged branches.
How quickly does Prunus lusitanica grow?
Growth rate of Prunus lusitanica Portuguese Laurel hedging has an average to fast growth rate and will achieve approximately 40-60cm a year. The ideal height for a Portuguese Laurel hedge is anything up to 5m. A relatively fast-growing plant, Portuguese laurel can form a hedge in as little as two to three years. Prune it regularly to keep it in shape, removing any dead or diseased branches and trimming back the tips.Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the laurel hedge, leaving a gap around the stems. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth. This can contribute to overall plant health and encourage thickening of the hedge.With Portuguese Laurels in particular, it is not uncommon to see the leaves turning pale and eventually yellow which is often a sign that they are sitting in too much water. This is a particularly prevalent issue when planting on heavier clayey soils. Here’s how to water your hedge.Pruning Laurel to Encourage Growth Sharp pruners or hedge trimmers will make this a lot easier and quicker to do. To prune laurel to encourage growth, we’d recommend trimming the branches and cutting them back several times a year (depending on how fast it grows) by up to a quarter.