Portuguese Laurel (prunus lusitanica) potting

sharanshrubs

Hi, I planted a portugese laurel hedge currently 1 metre high. Problem is I planted too closely and plants are suffocating. I plan to dig some of the plants up with care, pot them and sell/give them away. What soil should I use in the pots? Any suggestions on where can I buy it from?
Many thanks!

Borderline

That should be fine, but do put them in good size containers. Use John Innes No 3 soil with added grit if you can. The soil is available in good garden centres or you can order them online too.

You can sell them on a place like Ebay with pick up if you are in an area where it is more populated. That saves you time with packing and carriage costs. 

sharanshrubs

Thank you Borderline.
I planted my portuguese laurel 30cm apart. I plan on growing it to a 6ft high hedge.
Ive read it should be planted 2-3ft (60-90cm) apart otherwise the plants suffocate. But in a large local new residential development where Im certain a professional garden company did all the planting they have been planted 30-40cm apart.

How far apart should it be planted?

Lyn

I put mine about 2’ apart, but now I know they could have been 3’.  Once the trunks get to 6” diameter there’s not much room between.  They will grow anywhere and on anything so I don’t think it’s worth worrying too much  about them. 

sharanshrubs

That's very helpful, thanks Lyn!

Lyn

What makes you think they’re suffocating, they may not have started growing yet this year, could you post a photo please.