Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Portuguese laurel hedge

joe.shimminjoe.shimmin Posts: 214
in Plants
Hi, I’d like my Portuguese laurel hedge to gain some height. Is it best to leave it just to grow or to cut it back a bit to stimulate growth?

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That looks like a really nice hedge in the making to me!  I'd be patient and let it grow upwards and blend sideways without cutting it just yet.  If you do cut it at some point, I'd recommend that you use secateurs to avoid jagged leaves and torn branches which are the common result of using powered hedge trimmers on these plants.  
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145
    Having had PL at our last place I can say it responded ‘positively’ to being pruned. 
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I agree with what Plantminded said. It's a fine looking hedge and is filling out nicely. Same as cherry laurel PL can get out of hand quickly so as soon as it reaches the height you want it will need a haircut but I guess you know that. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you @Uff, as you know I had a problem with my Portuguese laurel last year by giving it too severe a cut.  It got powdery mildew and refused to grow for about six months, looking like this - lesson learned!

    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • joe.shimminjoe.shimmin Posts: 214
    Thanks for all of you comments. I’ll leave it for now and will start cutting when it gets to the height I want it at.
    Joe
Sign In or Register to comment.