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Disaster with my laurels - Please Help!

sanitadevit1_k-QGIRHsanitadevit1_k-QGIRH Posts: 14
in Problem solving
Planted my Laurel in October in a deep heavy planter to provide some privacy for the house from the main road. They were doing ok but with this heat they are just dying. I have no idea what to do. Should l trim them or just remove them altogether. So disappointed that they have not grown as l thought they would. 
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  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    Far too many plants in there for the size of the container. Laurels are big with huge roots. It would be hard to give them enough water in hot weather



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • sanitadevit1_k-QGIRHsanitadevit1_k-QGIRH Posts: 14
    Thank you for getting back to me. I just wonder if l should take the weaker ones out and leave a few and see how they get on? 
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I agree with nutcutlet. You will find it nigh on impossible to give them enough water. You could try taking the weaker ones out but the remaining ones would still struggle.
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, unfortunately laurels are not really suited to containerised growing.  There are other alternatives which are not deep rooted, such as Griselinia littoralis which is also evergreen.  Provided you don't normally experience severe winters where you are it should be fine in your planter.  Another possibility is Euonymus Green Spire which can form a very attractive green screen.  You may need to refresh your soil/compost after removing the laurel.  I'd use a soil based compost like John Innes No 3 with some added grit to aid drainage.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • sanitadevit1_k-QGIRHsanitadevit1_k-QGIRH Posts: 14
    Ok. Thank you very much for suggesting alternative evergreens. I think lm going to have to start again. Such a shame but lack of knowledge on my part. Many thanks. 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Don't be too upset @sanitadevit1_k-QGIRH, if you can't find an alternative place for them in your garden, perhaps a neighbour, friend or relative may like them.  They could also help you move them!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • sanitadevit1_k-QGIRHsanitadevit1_k-QGIRH Posts: 14
    That’s a really good idea! I can plant them in the back garden. I think l have the perfect spot for then, Thank you. 
  • sanitadevit1_k-QGIRHsanitadevit1_k-QGIRH Posts: 14
    I do have a quick question… when is the best time to dig up and plant something new in my planter? 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I'd wait until next month at the earliest, provided the heat subsides.  As late as October should also be fine. 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @sanitadevit1_k-QGIRH I agree we really need some decent rain before moving any plants. When you are out and about I would just take a look around at how big one laurel plant can get. They can be cut back with secateurs but from every cut they produce two more shoots. Best take a look at the work you may face in a few years time before you plant to be sure.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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