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Cherry Laurel Question

katefchamberlainnDDQvYepkatefchamberlainnDDQvYep Posts: 2
edited February 2023 in Plants
Hi all, 

I received some cherry Laurel plants today - but on inspection I am unsure whether they are healthy or not. I am no expert and it may be that it’s perfectly normal that some leaves are browning and this comes and goes, but would appreciate if you’d scan over the photos. 
I am ready with my blood, fish and bone to plant in but will complain if needs be. 
Thanks very much 

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @katefchamberlainnDDQvYep I think they will be fine, they are very tough. I don't know who you purchased from but I would have expected them to look better than they do. I wonder if they have been tied up for transportation maybe? A reputable company should give full instructions on what to do with them when they arrive with you.
    Are they in a pot?  Smaller laurel plants establish more quickly, it may also be a good idea to cut them back in spring to encourge more dense growth at the base if using for hedging. As a result some of the worst leaves will be cut off. Welcome
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • katefchamberlainnDDQvYepkatefchamberlainnDDQvYep Posts: 2
    @GardenerSuze thanks so much for replying. You’re right they could have been strapped up in transport.  They’re not in a pot just a large netted root ball. 
    I have instructions for planting it’s more that I’m worried the brown leaves will spread - but they’re tough like you say so fingered crossed. 
    I will definitely cut back in spring yes, as they’re not very dense at all, just tall! 
    Thanks :smile:
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023


    @katechamberlainnDDQvYEP There is a lot of info on here type in 'Laurel hedging issues' at the top. Not all of it will be useful but you will find plenty to help too.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Here's the infamous thread. You'll need an hour or two to read it  ;)
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/656523/help-needed-please-with-laurel-hedge-issues/p1

    The one thing I'd say is @katefchamberlainnDDQvYep - it's very late now in the bare root season, so make sure they're really well dampened before you plant them. Have the area well prepped first before you get them in too, and don't let them go short of water all this year. Your location/climate will be a factor in that. Keep the surrounding area clear of any weeds, and a mulch of bark or similar will also help with moisture retention and weed suppression   :)
    Cutting back is definitely the thing to do if they're tall and not bushy. It's why smaller specimens establish much more easily. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    All great advice. Watering will be critical especially if we have another dry summer. I would water once a week at the roots. You need to really soak them, water slowly to avoid run off. Watering deeply encourages the roots to go downwards. You will need to do this right through to autumn to get them to establish
    @Fairygirl Thankyou for adding info on the BIG Laurel thread, I have read most of it! 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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