Compact Laurel
(Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken')

In Spring, the Compact Laurel likes to bloom lovely cotton-white flower spikes that have a deep fragrant smell, which are then followed with red-black, cherry-like berries in the Autumn. This hedging plant is a favourite with the bees, and the compact nature can make it perfect for garden borders.

The Prunus laurocerasus Otto Luyken can grow up to 1.2m, and is rather slow growing, meaning it is quite easy to look after once it has reached your desired height. Please also note that, like most Laurel varieties, also parts of the Compact Laurel plant are harmful if eaten.

This hedge can tolerate all soils and situations, even shade. This makes it the perfect, evergreen shrub for any garden, and will give colour and style to your space all year-round.

• Growth height: Slow (10-20cm per year)
• Ideal height: 1.2m-2.5m Medium
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Full shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

You should prune your Compact Laurel once a year- either in September or October, depending on whether the weather has turned cold or not.

When should I plant Compact Laurel hedging?

You can plant pot grown Compact Laurel at any time throughout the year, providing the soil is not frozen and the weather is not extremely hot. Bare root and rootballed plants, however, can only be planted from November - March.

How far apart do you plant Compact Laurel plants?

For medium sized plants, we recommend planting between 45-60cm apart, as this will provide the plants with plenty of room to spread. Alternatively, plants that are smaller than 40cm, for example, can be planted at around 25-30cm apart.

How to plant Compact Laurel:

Begin by preparing the planting area, removing any weeds/grass/large rocks. You can use a weed killer to ensure as many weeds are removed as possible, but you must do this a few weeks prior to planting the Laurels.

Following this, dig a trench that is twice the width of the root ball but the same depth, and churn over the soil a little at the bottom of the trench. Mix some organic matter or fresh compost into the excess soil, as this will ensure the plants have enough nutrients.

Once you have done this, we recommend sprinkling some RootGrow or bone meal into the bottom of the planting hole, as this encourages and boosts root growth (though this is not a compulsory step).

You will next need to place the plants into the trench, ensuring they are straight and evenly spaced out. Check the base of the stem is level with the ground, and the backfill with the excess soil, patting down as you go along to secure the plant.

Continue to fill the remaining space up, and then finish off by soaking the roots and soil thoroughly. Continue to water regularly for the next 2 years after planting (around 2 or 3 times per week, and more so during dry spells). We also advise using After Plant Evergreen Fertiliser, to ensure the Laurels get the maximum amount of nutrients they need to thrive.