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Planting a Portuguese Laurel Hedge

hmonday66hmonday66 Posts: 21
in Plants
Hoping for a bit of advice.  I want to plant a portuguese laurel hedge to hide fencing running approx 40m along my boundary.  I have neighbours from hell and their cat is causing carnage to my garden birds so want to grow this hedge to approx 7ft asap.  I have done much research and have opted to purchase pot grown about 5L say 3-4ft. Most suppliers recommend 3-4 per meter but I believe this is far too many and have read the rule of thumb is to plant half the distance of the desired height.  This would mean 1 plant every meter.  Does this sound correct, I just don't want to get it wrong but have read many conflicting stories on planting distance as some say plant every 60-80cm for a quicker hedge or 1m if you can wait longer.  As I need this hedge to grow at least 6ft as quickly as possible can anyone give me some clear advice.  Also does 3-4ft sound about right or should I may be opt for smaller plants.  Have decided against bare root due to my work commitments so pot grown will be easier for me to plant.
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    No - you'll wait a long time if you plant at that distance. 
    I'm afraid we get this query a lot - wanting something to grow quickly. Plants don't conveniently stop growing at the desired height, so anything very fast growing can become a nuisance just as quickly, and needs more maintenance.
    The prep is the most important bit -  a good, clear border with healthy soil, and if you intend planting now, thorough watering - every few days, not a sprinkle every day. In wetter, cooler areas, it's easier as it's more autumnal by mid August, so far better for establishment. A light sprinkle of bone meal, and plenty of mulch after good watering, will also help. Mulching keeps weeds, and therefore competition, at bay. 
    About 3 feet is ideal, and I'd space them about 12 to 18 inches apart ,depending on the size of plant.  That will enable a denser hedge. Bare root are usually less bulky and can be planted closer. As they're also much cheaper, it's a more economical way of doing it because if any don't take, you've not lost a lot of money. Potted ones will tend to be heftier, so a little more room is better.
    It's much more expensive to buy potted plants, but if you want to do it now, that's just how it is.  :)
    Unfortunately, you'll probably find it doesn't deter cats at all. They'll still find a way in. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I'd echo @Fairygirl's advice, 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on the height of your plants.  Remember, they grow outwards as well as upwards so you'll need to account for that if you have a fence nearby and need access to maintain the hedge.  Most reputable suppliers will offer a plant guarantee so check this out before purchasing your plants.  Preparation of your ground is key to success.  Also, be sure that your soil is suitable for these plants, you'll need good, water retentive soil to get them established.  They grow poorly in my free draining sandy soil. 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Just a thought … a hedge will attract the birds to nest, roost etc and they may then be vulnerable to marauding cats scaling the fence and lurking on top of it …
    Had you considered pyracantha… its sharp spines will help deter any cats and provide a much safer roosting place for the birds  … it’s easy enough to trim and can be kept pretty narrow so it’ll take up less of your actual garden space. 

    It worked very well for someone  we know with a similar problem. 
     😊 

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





  • hmonday66hmonday66 Posts: 21
    I need a fast grower and evergreen which is why ive gone for laurel. Pyracantha will take too long to grow that height

  • Jess91Jess91 Posts: 159
    I dont know much about Laurel but just to say Pyracantha is fairly fast growing in my experience. It will deter the cat, and the birds you're trying to encourage will appreciate the berries.
    Slowly building a wildlife garden, in a new build in East Yorkshire.
  • hmonday66hmonday66 Posts: 21
    I did look at pyracantha, will have another look at growth rate.  TY
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    https://horticulture.co.uk/pyracantha/#:~:text=How%20Fast%20Does%20Pyracantha%20Grow%3F%20The%20plant%20grows,reach%20up%20to%204m%20high%20and%204m%20wide. 

    Seems pretty fast to me …. 😎

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





  • hmonday66hmonday66 Posts: 21
    Yes but it won't reach 7m in height. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    My Pyracanthas are easily 7 feet - and more. They won't be 7 metres though....
    I presume you meant feet  :)
    How fast anything grows depends on your location, the soil and the climate.
    Anything you plant will take several years to be anywhere near 6 or 7 feet, including P. laurel. The only way it would be quicker is if you plant very large specimens, and that's very, very expensive, and can be counter productive as they're much harder to establish. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • hmonday66hmonday66 Posts: 21
    Please forgive me folks, have so much on my mind, getting meters confused with ft.  Yes pyracantha should reach 7ft, thank you for all your advice
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