If you are looking for an idea for a hedge, you wonder what to plant instead and you do not want to deal with excessive care for laurels. This forever green plant will look nice throughout the year.
An ideal plant for a hedge, grows high, smells and has low requirements. Plant instead of thuja
Laurowiśnia keeps the leaves all year round, thanks to which your garden will always look aesthetically pleasing, regardless of the season. The branches are densely covered with leaves, thanks to this, it is a natural, green barrier that will effectively cover the garden and the house from the eyes of neighbors or street noise. In the spring, laurels bloom (usually from April to May), and small white flowers make a delicate and pleasant smell. It is supported by the fact that the plant is resistant to pests and diseases. However, it is worth paying attention to the appropriate watering – both excess and water deficiency can lead to root problems.
When and how to plant a laurel? Laurowiaśnia is growing rapidly
Laurvine can be planted in spring and autumn. In spring, it is best to do it at the latest in April, when there is no more risk of frosts and the temperatures are not too high yet. In autumn, October or end of September will be suitable. Laurowiśnia, as a shrub, can reach up to 3 meters high, but with proper pruning of the hedge we can easily keep it at 1-2 meters. However, laurel trees grow up to 9 meters. Laurowiśnia grows quite quickly, depending on the species from 15 to 60 cm per year. When planting laurels as a hedge, keep a spacing of about 50-60 cm between plants. Thanks to this, the bushes will have enough space for development, while creating a compact barrier.
What does laurel like?
Although Laurowiśnia comes from warmer climate zones (Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor and the Caucasus), it copes well in our climatic conditions. Although you have to remember that it is not completely frost -resistant. The plant likes heat, which is why it is good to plant it at the walls of the house or with stone fences. Thanks to this location, the shrub will be protected against the gusts of cold wind. It is worth protecting it properly for the winter. Young plants require special care. Laurowoście can be planted in pots, in the garden individually or densely in the form of a hedge. It is also suitable for forming. Laurowiaśnia has long, woody shoots that thicken quickly, thanks to which it is a real decoration of the garden.
Soil laurel, watering, pruning and fertilization
Laurowiśnia grows well in permeable, moderately moist, rich in humus. It tolerates slightly acidic to indifferent soil reactions. Young plants require regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Older copies are more resistant to a lack of water, but it is worth monitoring their condition, especially on hot days. Pruning laurel is the key to keeping it in the right form. Prinse it in early spring and after flowering (around June). You can give it any shape, which makes it an extremely versatile plant. In spring, it is worth using multi -component fertilizer to stimulate plant growth. Remember to avoid nitrogen fertilizers in autumn – they can weaken the plant before winter. Although laurel is evergreen, in very cold winters it may need additional protection – especially young bushes. It is worth covering them with agrotextile.
Laurel important spring treatments
After winter, laurel leaves can dry out. Especially, those exposed to cold wind. Therefore, you need to remove dry, brittle shoots. We cut the bush to the length of healthy branches. Laurowiśnia will quickly regenerate and quickly release new shoots. It is also important to provide the plant with a constant humidity and prevent the soil to dry. From March you can fertilize it with compost. Laurowiśnia usually blooms from mid -April to the end of May. White conical flowers resemble chestnut inflorescences. After flowering on the stems, fruit in the shape of small black balls appear. Unfortunately, like laurel leaves, they are poisonous.
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