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Portuguese laurel not showing red stems

Adrian BAdrian B Posts: 6
in Plants

Hi there. I recently purchased some portuguese laurel for hedging selecting this plant for the attractive red stems on new growth. However despite lots of new growth the stems are a greeny brown. Not the rhubarb red they are famed for. Does anyone have any ideas why?

I can't seem to find possible reasons why online but have seen plants nearby that have both beautiful red and the dull colour mine have. 

 

Thanks in advance

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,131

    Hi Adrian image 

    I suggest you speak to your supplier .


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





  • PotsandpansiesPotsandpansies Posts: 124
    Is the hedge in full sun, or in the shade more? That can affect how much red appears on the stems.
  • Adrian BAdrian B Posts: 6
    Thanks for the replies.



    Dovefromabove: bought online and waiting to hear back from supplier.



    Buddyboy: yes it is Portuguese Laurel as far as I can tell from leaf shape and flowers just doesn't have the full red stems you show in the picture but mostly green with the odd streak of reddish brown.



    Potsandpansies: they have the morning sun on them from just after sunrise till 1am.



    I was thinking it might be a lack of something in the soil but plants look healthy and growing fast.
  • dmylam10flUq2MH7dmylam10flUq2MH7 Posts: 1
    Probably age younger ones have green stems
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,131
    Hmm this thread is more than 6 years old ... maybe
    we’re getting more spam with our eggs for breakfast in the morning 🍳 🤔 

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





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I didn't even understand the statement @Dovefromabove :D

    Maybe it's Yoda....
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,131
    True that might be @Fairygirl 😉 

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





  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited October 2020
    Edit....Just read that post is 6 years old. Ooops! Sorry folks.
    May as well leave comments below in case anyone else sees this.


    The ones with red stems are Prunus lusitanica...common name Portuguese laurel...
    Even young plants show the red stems!
    ......see pics below.
    Leaves smaller, neater than the green stem Prunus laurocerasus common name cherry laurel.
    What are your leaves like?
    Did you order the right one?
    Or did company send you the wrong plants?


    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
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