Portuguese Laurel Hedging 20/25cm Bare Root

Compact Evergreen Hedge Plants for Economical Screening

These 20–25cm bare root Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) plants offer an affordable and reliable option for starting a dense, evergreen hedge. Ideal for gardeners willing to allow a little extra time for growth, these smaller plants establish well and develop into robust, glossy-leaved screens.

Portuguese Laurel is celebrated for its dark green, leathery leaves and elegant, upright growth habit, making it a popular choice for both formal and informal hedging.

Key Features

• Supplied Height: 20–25cm (bare root, young plants)

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, oval-shaped evergreen leaves

• Growth Rate: Moderate, approximately 20–30cm per year

• Mature Height: 3–5 metres if left untrimmed

• Form: Upright, dense shrub

• Flowers: Small, white, fragrant blooms in late spring (on mature plants)

• Berries: Bright red berries in autumn, attractive to wildlife

Planting & Spacing

• Best Planting Time: November to March (dormant season)

• Spacing:

  • 3 plants per metre for a single row hedge

  • 5 plants per metre for staggered double rows to accelerate coverage

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but adapts to various conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade

• Maintenance: Regular trimming encourages dense, bushy growth and maintains shape

Why Choose 20/25cm Bare Root?

• Cost-effective entry point for creating a beautiful hedge

• Suitable for larger projects or those with patience for gradual growth

• Easy to handle and plant, with strong root systems for good establishment

Benefits of Portuguese Laurel Hedging

• Year-round dense evergreen screening for privacy and wind protection

• Elegant, glossy foliage adds refined structure to garden boundaries

• Adaptable to a variety of soils and light conditions

• Wildlife-friendly — flowers attract pollinators and berries feed birds

• Low maintenance once established, suitable for formal and informal hedges

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Bare root plants are generally cheaper than potted plants.
2. Variety: Greater selection of species available.
3. Establishment: Often establish quickly in the garden.

Cons:

1. Timing: Must be planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
2. Initial Care: Require careful handling and timely planting.

Preparation for Planting:

1. Soak Roots: Immerse the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
2. Inspect: Trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
3. Dig Hole: Ensure the hole is wide enough to spread roots out without bending them.
4. Consider Cutting back: Cutting back by up to 1/3, especially on taller plants will reduce possible losses and improve plant establishment.

Planting Process:

1. Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth they were grown in the nursery, indicated by the soil mark on the stem.
2. Fill Hole: Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets around the roots.
3. Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Possibility of Losses:

• Adjustment Period: Some plants may not survive the transition due to transplant shock or poor initial care.
• Mitigation: Proper planting techniques and aftercare, like regular watering and mulching, can reduce losses.

Aftercare Tips:

1. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
2. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Protection: Protect young plants from extreme weather and pests.

Bare root planting is a straightforward, economical way to enhance your garden, provided you follow these essential steps to ensure successful establishment.

Full Guide to planting bare root can be found here

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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.