What is Laurel Hedging?
Laurel hedges are hardy, broadleaf evergreens with thick, heavy, glossy leaves that make some of the best barriers against traffic noise and street light that you can grow in the UK (Holly is also very good, and also native).
- Common / Cherry Laurel is vigorous, grows practically anywhere.
- Portugal Laurel is a little less vigorous, and needs more sun.
- Spotted laurel is relatively slow growing, and excels in dry shade.
- Bay leaf laurel is vigorous and versatile for clipping into basic topiary shapes, but not ideal for the coldest inland regions of the North & Scotland. It is often grown in pots as an architectural ornamental.
How many Laurel hedge plants do I need?
The planting density for your Laurel hedge depends on the purpose:
- For a normal garden boundary hedge, plant at 3 plants per metre (every 33cm) in a single row.
- An interior hedge for purely decorative purposes can be planted at 2 plants per metre (every 50cm) in a single row.
What size Laurel hedge plants should I buy?
- If you are not in a hurry to get a full sized laurel hedge, we recommend starting with smaller sizes.
- If you are in a hurry and need instant impact, or are filling gaps in an existing hedge, then of course pick the biggest size that fits your budget.
Smaller plants are cheaper, easier to plant, and tend to establish better because they are dug up with most of their roots intact.
You can also clip them attentively and ensure a very bushy plant from the base up.
Your laurel plants are delivered by mail order direct from our nursery, along with expert advice, friendly support, plus our bareroot Guarantee and Free Returns for all plants, so you can give them a whirl with complete confidence.
Browse the rest of our range of hedge plants.