Portuguese Laurel Hedging (Prunus lusitanica) – 100/120cm Root Ball
Elegant Evergreen Structure for Stylish Privacy
Portuguese Laurel is an exceptional choice for creating a refined, evergreen hedge with year-round appeal. Supplied here at 100/120cm height in root ball form, it offers a great balance between maturity and ease of handling—ideal for those seeking a strong start to a formal hedge without the bulk of larger specimens. With its glossy, dark green foliage, reddish stems, and compact growth, this laurel is perfect for gardens that demand privacy without compromising on style.
Seasonal Appeal
Spring:
Fresh flushes of small, leathery green leaves emerge. Subtle spikes of creamy-white flowers bloom in early summer, attracting pollinators with their sweet scent.
Summer:
Lush, dense foliage continues to thicken, forming a sleek, structured hedge. Ideal for shading and defining space.
Autumn:
Tiny red berries develop, turning dark as they ripen—loved by birds and other garden wildlife.
Winter:
Fully evergreen, Portuguese Laurel keeps its neat appearance even in the depths of winter, offering reliable colour and shelter.
Key Features
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Supplied Height: 100–120cm
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Root Ball: Field-grown for strong root development and easier transplanting
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Growth Rate: Moderate (20–40cm per year)
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Foliage: Narrow, glossy dark green leaves with red stems
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Eventual Height: Up to 4m if left untrimmed
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Shape: Naturally dense and upright; easily clipped for a formal look
Where It Works Best
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Driveways & Boundaries: Clean, elegant structure for defining space
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Garden Dividers: Excellent for creating private ‘rooms’ within a garden
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Urban & Suburban Areas: Compact enough for tighter spaces, yet still impactful
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Year-Round Screening: Great alternative to faster-growing hedging for long-term structure
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Formal Gardens: Responds beautifully to regular trimming for topiary or smart hedge lines
Planting & Care
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Position: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Well-drained; tolerates most soil types except waterlogged ground
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Watering: Water well until established, especially in dry spells
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Feeding: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage lush growth
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Pruning: Lightly trim once or twice a year to maintain shape and density
Why Choose Portuguese Laurel 100/120cm Root Ball?
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Mid-size plants for a quicker privacy screen without heavy planting effort
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Tidy, compact growth habit that suits formal and informal designs
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Attractive red stems and small glossy leaves for visual interest
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Evergreen and hardy in most UK conditions
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Low maintenance with excellent shaping potential
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.