| Last November, a landscaper planted 20 English Laurels in front of our home in Roswell, Georgia. We would like to know what fertilizer and pruning (and the time of pruning) are necessary to keep the shrubs growing well while looking relatively neat. Thanks for your input in advance. |
| English laurels (Prunus laurocerasus) are a great choice for a well drained, fertile, moist location in the south. They will respond well to fertilization using a product with a 3-1-2 ratio of nutrients. Apply 1 1/2 cups of fertilizer per 100 square foot of bed in March or April. Repeat applications twice more at 6 week intervals. Once plants reach the size you desire you can cease fertilizing to avoid unnecessary stimulation of growth. You can prune the bushes anytime you wish although late winter is best if a heavy shearing is planned. Young bushes need a little training to form the desired shape you have in mind, or you can allow them to take on their natural mounded form and only remove gangly shoots that take off out of bounds. Enjoy your English laurels! |
