Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a small evergreen tree that is commonly used as a hedge or screen. It is fast-growing and tolerates heavy pruning, making it an ideal choice for many landscape applications. Portuguese laurel is also quite drought-tolerant once it is established. However, like all plants, it will benefit from regular fertilization. Fertilizing portuguese laurel helps to ensure that it remains healthy and vigorous, and can even help to promote heavier flowering.
There are 3 main cases when fertilize portuguese laurel:
1. Planting a new Portuguese Laurel
When planting a new Portuguese Laurel, it is always recommended to use bone meal. This provides essential nutrients for the plant, helping it to establish itself quickly and encouraging healthy growth. Bone meal also helps to prevent transplant shock, which can be a major problem with Portuguese Laurels. When applying bone meal, simply mix it into the soil around the base of the plant. water well and allow the plant to get established before trimming into shape.
Westland Bone Meal Root Builder
Westland Bone Meal Root Builder is the perfect way to help your trees, shrubs and hedges get the nourishment they need. This natural feed is specially formulated to help build strong roots, so your plants can thrive. Choose from various weight packages to find the right one for your needs.
This natural feed is rich in calcium, which helps promote healthy plant growth. Plus, the long period of nutrient release in the soil makes this product ideal for gardeners who want to see lasting results.
Westland Bone Meal helps to support green growth, while also encouraging bigger and stronger roots. Plus, it helps keep your plants healthy and looking their best.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Strengthens the roots
- Extremely inexpensive
CONS
- Some dogs can eat it
When planting portuguese laurel, we recommend using Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi to give the plant a head start. Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plants, helping them to access nutrients and water that they would otherwise be unable to reach. In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant. This type of fungi is especially beneficial for portuguese laurel, as it can help the plant to establish itself quickly and prevent transplant shock.
Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi with Dipping Gel
Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi with Dipping Gel is a great way to give your plants the extra boost they need to thrive. This product contains mycorrhizal fungi granules that help plants develop a secondary root system, allowing them to absorb more nutrients and water. The 1kg package is perfect for larger plants, or for those who want to have extra on hand.
If you’re looking for a little extra help when it comes to transplanting your plants, Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi with Dipping Gel is here to lend a hand. Rootgrow helps overcome problems associated with transplanting, and treated plants will root better as a result. Mycorrhizal fungi is plant friendly, so you can rest assured that your plants are in good hands.
PROS
- Gives plants a good start
- Improves plants health
- Great for transplanting plants
- Good value for money
CONS
- Takes time to work
2. For annual feed early in the spring
Portuguese laurel need an annual feed early in the spring to maintain their healthy growth. We recommend using a balanced fertiliser such as Growmore, which will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to thrive. Apply the fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and water thoroughly afterwards to ensure that the roots are getting access to the moisture they need.
Westland Growmore Garden Fertiliser
Westland Growmore Garden Fertiliser is an all-in-one garden feed that provides an immediate nutrient release, giving your plants the boost they need to grow strong and healthy. This complete garden feed comes in various packaging options to suit your needs.
Ready to use granules make it easy to apply, and you’ll see improved soil fertility in no time. Plus, the nutrients in this fertiliser are key for plant growth. Growmore – the perfect solution for boosting flowering, green growth and roots. This fertiliser can be applied every 4-6 weeks to help maintain plant quality, and only requires 135g/sq.m around the base of established shrubs or trees.
PROS
- Ideal for shrubs
- Easy to apply
- Boosts Growth
- Great for hedges
CONS
- Not for acid-loving plants
One of the best ways to ensure that your portuguese laurel stays healthy and vigorous is to mulch it at the same time as you feed it annually. This will help to retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots from extreme temperature changes.
Strulch Mineralised Straw Mulch
If you’re looking for a mulch that will keep your plants healthy and your garden looking neat and tidy, Strulch is the ideal choice. This mineralised straw mulch is produced in the UK and is great at reducing weed growth and retaining moisture around plants. This mulch is perfect for around shrubs, as it lasts up to 2 years and enriches the soil.
Made from natural straw, it contains a slug and snail deterrent that helps to keep these pests at bay. Plus, it has a neutral pH which helps to conserve water, making it a great choice for those with water restrictions.
PROS
- Deters slugs
- Prevents weeds
- Easy to use
- Lasts a long time
CONS
- May be blown away in high winds
3. For older Portuguese Laurel – to stimulate root and top growth and to improve leaf colour.
A good quality fertilizer will help encourage strong root and top growth, as well as improving leaf colour. In particular, a fertilizer with magnesium will help to bring out the best in your Portuguese laurel.
Empathy After Plant Bio-Active Plant Food
Empathy After Plant Bio-Active Plant Food is a targeted plant food for portuguese laurel that contains rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi. This powerful combination of ingredients helps to stimulate growth and promote healthy root development. This product is packaged in a 1kg size, making it easy to use and store.
This powerful plant food is a source of plant available nutrients, and it also enhances the soil with the addition of beneficial microbes. That means your plants will be getting everything they need to stay healthy and thrive. After Plant contains bacteria that helps to fix nitrogen from the air, making it ideal for all types of evergreen hedging or garden plants. Plus, it prevents buxus blight, so you can keep your plants healthy and looking good all season long!
PROS
- Helps transplanting evergreens
- Restores burned leaves
- Creates lush foliage
- Great for laurel
CONS
- Strong smell
Conclusion
In general, portuguese laurel is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, if you want your plant to thrive, it is worth giving it an occasional boost with a quality fertilizer.
When it comes to fertilizing a Portuguese laurel, there are three key things you need to take into account: the plant’s age, whether it is newly planted or not, and its general health. Depending on these factors, you will want to choose a different type of fertilizer.
Different fertilizers are necessary for different stages of a hedge’s life. If you’re not sure which fertilizer to choose, consult with an expert to make sure you get the best results for your Portuguese laurel.
