Laurel hedges – planting and care

Scientific name (Latin): Prunus laurocerasus

Family: Rose family (Rosaceae)

A laurel hedge is one of the most widely used hedge plants in Europe, and more and more people are discovering this practical and beautiful plant here in the north. Although it is usually used as a hedge, it can also be beautiful in mixed plantings with, for example, boxwood, rhododendron and smaller conifers, or as a raised plant at the back of perennials.

As a hedge plant, the laurel hedge has almost everything you could dream of:

• Aesthetically appealing with glossy, leathery, dark green leaves.
• Evergreen, equally beautiful all year round, and blooms with creamy white flowers in spring.
• Easy to shape through pruning, but just as beautiful as free-growing – can be used as both a high and low hedge.
• Dense foliage that provides good screening and dampens noise.
• Resistant to diseases and pests.
• Requires little care.

The laurel hedge's flowers are more popular with bees and other pollinating insects. When the flowers appear in spring varies between varieties, as does the appearance of the flowers – some varieties have large flower clusters, while others bloom more modestly.

The list of advantages of laurel hedge is long. On the downside, we can say that it has limited hardiness. That is precisely why you see laurel hedges most often along the coast in Southern Norway, up to Trøndelag. Many types of laurel hedges can handle up to hardiness zone 4, but they do best on the coast. Inland, where the winter is harsher, you should live in hardiness zone 3 to be safe. However, if you live in hardiness zones 1–3 or up to 4 on the coast, we have no doubt; Laurel hedges are an absolutely fantastic hedge plant.

Another thing you should be aware of is that the laurel is poisonous. Both the leaves and berries contain hydrocyanic acid, also known as hydrocyanic acid. Fortunately, this substance gives both berries and leaves a terrible taste, so it takes a lot before anyone takes more than a small bite, but it is still a good idea to keep in mind if you have small children or animals in the garden.

The best time to plant hedges, including laurel hedges, is in spring or autumn. This gives the plants time to establish themselves before they are exposed to extreme temperatures – the heat and drought of summer, and the cold and frost of winter.

• Location
  Most types of laurel hedges thrive best in partial shade to shade.
  
• Soil and preparation
  Dig a planting trench that is approximately 50–70 cm wide. Remove all weeds, loosen the soil in place and mix it with potting soil. Add cow manure compost to provide extra nutrition if you are planting in spring; if you are planting in autumn, you can wait to fertilize until next spring.
  
• Planting
  Set the plant down at the same height it was in the pot. Fill with soil, and gently press around the plant to ensure it is stable. Water thoroughly.
  
• Watering
  Water regularly for the first few weeks after planting, so that the plants can establish themselves properly. Then you just need to get used to longer dry periods. To help the plants benefit from the water, you can cover the soil around the plants with grass clippings or mulch.
  
• Pruning
  To maintain the desired shape, it is a good idea to prune the hedge. The best time to prune laurel hedges is during the so-called JAS period – July, August and September. The plants will readily shoot new shoots after pruning, so the hedge will become denser when you prune.
  
• Winter covering and frost damage
  Laurel hedges can suffer from scorching in the spring, when the sun is strong, but the roots are still in frozen soil. It may therefore be a good idea to cover the plants in the spring and winter, at least in the first few years after planting. Branches that have been damaged by frost should be cut off, down to the healthy part.

There are several varieties of laurel hedge, here are some of the most common in our latitudes.

• Laurel hedge 'ETNA'
  Upright, evergreen shrub with strong, broad growth. Shiny, leathery, dark green leaves. White flowers in upright clusters in May-June. Thrives in a warm place in well-drained, evenly moist acidic soil. Should be covered for the winter.
  
• Laurel hedge 'Otto Luyken'
  Evergreen shrub with dense and wide growth and narrow, glossy leaves. Moderate growth. White flowers in May-June. Thrives in a warm place in well-drained, evenly moist, humus-rich, acidic soil. Tolerates air pollution and shade.
  
• Laurel hedge 'Mano'
  Low laurel hedge with beautiful red-colored annual shoots. Wintergreen, glossy dark green foliage. Fragrant white flowers on spikes. Thrives in a warm location in partial shade in well-drained, evenly moist soil.

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