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Portuguese Laurel Leaf Distortion

steven_j_hattonsteven_j_hatton Posts: 2
in Problem solving
hi

planted a hedge of pot grown Portuguese laurel last year. Seemed to be thriving but new growth has twisted foliage quite extensively.  On a new build estate but elsewhere plants seem to be ok (which indicates that soil is adequate to me)

any ideas anyone?

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Is that aphids on it in the 2nd photo?  If it is I’d just cut out all the crinkly leaves and stems, it will appreciate a cut and will romp away soon. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • steven_j_hattonsteven_j_hatton Posts: 2
    No sign of any bugs, must be the photo quality
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    That looks like typical damage from an earlier aphid attack on the growing tips, when the leaves were younger.  Probably now cleared by ladybirds or other aphid predators.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • robert.wollastonrobert.wollaston Posts: 1
    I have a similar problem. My straight hedge is fine but when it turns the corner I have 3 bushes that have the wrinkles and go brown and then drop off.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I’d give that hedge a good hard clipping, a feed with fish, blood & bone, a good watering and an organic mulch. It’ll soon replace those damaged leaves and you’ll have a thicker hedge too. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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