Laurel hedges are one of the most popular types of hedging plants. They have a great shape and can be used to create an effective border for your garden or as a screen for your home. Laurel hedge plants are easy to care for and look great when they are kept in good health. Fertilizing the Laurel hedge is an important part of maintaining its healthy appearance. Generally, fertilizers applied to laurel hedges are divided into two notably: the slow-release or time-release fertilizers and the balanced NPK fertilizers.
Slow-release fertilizers are those types of fertilizers that, when applied to laurel hedges, stay longer in the soil and steadily feed the laurel hedges by releasing nutrients slowly into the soil for a very long time. Slow-release fertilizers are made from natural materials and are rich in major plant nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Well-rotted manure from animal waste and organic compost made from vegetable matter are good examples of slow-release fertilizers for laurel hedges.
On the other hand, the balanced or complete fertilizers are specially formulated to contain equal or varying proportions of primary nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. NPK 10-10-10, NPK 20-10-10 are good balanced fertilizers for laurel hedges; aside from the primary nutrients, the balanced fertilizers also contain micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, boron, iron, and sulfur in appreciable quantities enough to give laurel hedges healthy growth. Unlike slow-release fertilizers, the balanced fertilizer releases nutrients fast for the immediate use of the Laurel Hedge.
So, which is best for laurel hedges? The slow release or the NPK fertilizers?
Agronomically speaking, Laurel hedge prefers a slow-release fertilizer like compost or manure from animal waste. Aside from the slow and steady release of nutrients into the soil, slow-release fertilizer also helps to improve the soil structure and texture; it serves as a good growth medium for beneficial microorganisms in the soil. In addition, the slow-release fertilizers are less likely to burn the foliage of the Laurel Hedge when applied.
On the other hand, the NPK fertilizers contain a high concentration of nutrients and are fast-releasing, making them exceptionally beneficial to laurel hedges because these fertilizers can help correct nutrient deficiency symptoms in laurel hedges like yellowing of the leaves, sign of nitrogen deficincy, purple coloration of the leaf tips, a sign of phophorus coloration and other alike. However, the NPK fertilizers can burn the laurel hedge roots when applied wrongly, you need to read the instructions before applying.
I have taken the time to explain the difference and importance of the slow-release and balanced fertilizers for laurel hedge; so if you want to buy any fertilizer for your laurel hedges, you can make informed decisions regarding the choice you will buy. To help you further, I have compiled a list of top laurel hedge fertilizers, namely:
- Southern Ag Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer 14-14-14
- Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer 12-0-0
- Miracle-Gro 1lb Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food
- Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 4-12-0
- Miracle-Gro 1kg Lawn Food for Healthy Lawns
1. Southern Ag Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer 14-14-14
The Southern Ag Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer is a specially formulated balanced fertilizer that contains an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other micronutrients like boron, calcium, magnesium, and iron. This fertilizer is suitable for Laurel hedge, lawn grasses, and other ornamental plants. The equal proportion of the primary nutrients aids rapid vegetative growth, strong roots, and beautiful blooms as the plant grows.
Characteristics:
– Controlled release fertilizer
– Continuous metering of nutrients for up to 4 months
– Suitable for potted plants, hanging baskets, flower beds, and vegetable gardens
– Can be used on soil, bedding plants, and pot culture
– Can be mixed with soil or applied on the surface
Formulation Details:
– Rate for soil: mix .25 – .5 cups per cubic foot
– Rate for bedding plants: .75 – 1 cup per 10 sq. ft
– Rate for pot culture: 4 in. – .5 teaspoons, 5 in. – 1 teaspoon, 6 in. – 1.5 teaspoons
– Application: Mix thoroughly with soil mix, or mix in soil to 1” deep for surface application
Application Guide
Target plants: The Southern Ag Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer is perfect for Laurel hedge, lawn grasses, garden crops, and other ornamental plants.
Application Forms: The fertilizer is available in granules.
Application Rate: For direct soil application, mix 0.5 cups of Southern Ag Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer per cubic foot. For garden or planting beds, Mix 1 cup of the fertilizer per 10 sq. ft. For potting plants, apply 1 teaspoon of the fertilizer to each pot.
How to Apply: Following the application rate, mix the fertilizer with the soil thoroughly and cover with the topsoil. Water the plant immediately after fertilizer application. Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature. These measure helps the plant utilize the fertilizer better.
When to apply: Apply the Southern Ag Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer at the beginning of the planting. Each application can feed the Laurel hedge and other houseplants for up to 4 months.
Precautions:
– Do not apply near bodies of water to avoid washing away.
– Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask during application.
– Store in a cool and dry place.
– Keep out of reach of children and pets
– Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
– Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dosage and application.
2. Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer 12-0-0
The Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer 12-0-0 is an all-natural plant food that provides a rich source of nitrogen for organic gardening. This fertilizer contains primarily bloodmeal, which contains about 95 percent nitrogen. The high nitrogen content makes plants like laurel hedge produce richer and greener leaves; the Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer is perfect for feeding flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.
Characteristics:
– Use Blood Meal organic fertilizer for nitrogen supplement for vigorous growth and deep green color
– Contains 100% all natural domestic Blood Meal with no fillers or additives
- Best used in Spring & Fall
– Approved for organic gardening
- Made in the USA by Espoma Company
Formulation Details:
– Product Type: Organic Fertilizer
– Ingredients: Blood Meal
– Application: Sprinkle onto soil and water after applying
Additional Information:
– Customers are pleased with the fertilizer’s performance, value, and quality
– Effective in boosting plant growth and blooming, especially for rose bushes and vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers
– Appreciated for its ability to keep pests away
– Considered a good product that provides good value for money
Application Guide
Target plants: Specifically formulated for ornamental plants, flowering plants, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.
Application Forms: It is available in granules.
How to Apply: Apply the Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer directly at the root zone of the plant. Water the plant immediately after application and apply mulch to retain moisture. The Espoma Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer can be applied during planting or at different growth stages of the plants, particularly when the plant is showing signs of nitrogen deficiency like yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
Precautions:
– Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask when applying.
– Store in a cool and dry place.
– Keep out of reach of children and pets
– Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
– Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dosage.
3. Miracle-Gro 1lb Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food
The Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food is a 10-52-10 formula designed to promote beautiful blooms. This is a balanced fertilizer with a high percentage of phosphorus to promote vibrant growth of strong roots and healthy flowers. Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster Flower Food is perfect for ornamental plants like the laurel hedge, roses, and other houseplants planted in the garden or containers. The fertilizer is water soluble, making it ideal for foliar application and root feeding, promoting more blooms for greater color.
Characteristics:
– Special plant food with high phosphorus for color & bloom yield
– Ideal for containers, window boxes, annuals, and perennials
– Starts to work instantly for quick, beautiful results
– Safe for plants, won’t burn or harm other plants when used as directed
– Promotes big plants and beautiful blooms
– Double feeding action feeds through both the roots and the leaves
– Can be used every 7-14 days during the growing season
– Coverage area: 1.5 lbs feeds approximately 600 square feet
– Promotes more blooms for greater color
Formulation Details:
– Size: 1 lb
– Can be used with the Miracle-Gro garden feeder or a watering can
– For outdoor plants: feed every 7-14 days before and during bud-set and bloom
– For indoor plants: mix 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water
– Associated plants: all flowering plants, both in-ground and in containers
Additional Information:
– Customers find that the fertilizer works well, bringing flowers to bloom profusely
– Helps with flower growth and is great for plants that need to bloom all summer long
– Many customers are happy with its magic, ease of use, and size
– Some customers have differing views on whether it provides good value for money
Application Guide
Target plants: Typically formulated for garden crops and ornamental crops like laurel hedge, roses, hydrangeas, daisies, hibiscus, azaleas, petunias, dahlias, begonias, and camellias.
Application Forms: The Miracle-Gro 1lb Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food is available as a water-soluble powder.
Application Rate: For outdoor plants, 1 tablespoon of The Miracle-Gro 1lb Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food per gallon (outdoor) while 1/2 teaspoon per gallon is ideal for indoor use.
How to Apply: Mix the Miracle-Gro 1lb Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food in water at the appropriate rate and apply to the plant using a sprayers for foliar application and an irrigation drip line for root feeding.
When to apply: For best results, apply the Miracle-Gro 1lb Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food 30 days after planting and every 7 to 14 days before and during bud-set and bloom.
Precautions:
– Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask when mixing the fertilizer.
– Store in a cool and dry place.
– Keep out of reach of children and pets
– Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
– Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and the dosage instructions.
4. Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 4-12-0
The Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 4-12-0 is an all-natural plant food containing nitrogen and phosphorus for organic gardening. Specifically designed for hedges, bulbs and other flowering plants, this fertilizer promotes beautiful bloom and strong root development. Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer is organic, it is safe for regular application on plants without any fear of burning the plant roots or other part.
Characteristics:
– Organic bone meal fertilizer
– 4-12-0 NPK ratio
– All-natural plant food source of nitrogen and phosphorus
– Suitable for organic gardening
– Ideal for bulbs and other flowering plants
– Comes in a 4 lb. bag
– Pack of 2 bags
– Great gift idea
– Satisfaction guaranteed
Formulation Details:
– Capacity: 4 lbs
Additional Information:
– Customers have reported that the fertilizer is of good quality and value for money
- Essential for perennials
– Arrives quickly and in excellent condition
Application Guide
Target plants: Typically formulated for hedges, bulbs, garden plants, and ornamental plants.
Application Forms: The Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer is available in granules.
Application Rate: Apply Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer at a rate of 10 pounds per 100 sq. ft. For potted plants, apply one tablespoon of the fertilizer per pot.
How to Apply: Using a broadcast spreader, apply the Espoma Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer directly into the soil and incorporate thoroughly into the soil using a rake or garden fork. Water the plants immediately after applying the fertilizer to activate it.
When to apply: Apply at the beginning of planting and every month throughout the growing cycle of the plant.
Precautions:
– Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask during application of the fertilizer.
– Store in a cool and dry place.
– Keep out of reach of children and pets
– Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
– Read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dosage and application for the best result.
5. Miracle-Gro 1kg Lawn Food for Healthy Lawns
The Miracle-Gro Lawn Food is a high-quality fertilizer designed to promote healthy growth of laurel hedges, lawn grasses, and other landscape plants. This fertilizer contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other micronutrients like boron, copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium to promote healthy plant growth, beautiful blooms, and strong root development. The Miracle-Gro Lawn Food is water soluble and a fast feeder that promotes vibrant bloom and color in just 5 days after application; it is an ideal lawn and landscape plant food.
Characteristics:
– Water soluble concentrated lawn food
– Promotes a richer, greener lawn in five days
– Easy to apply with a watering can
– Feeds up to 100m2
– Ideal for use between April and September
Formulation Details:
– Brand: Miracle-gro
– Size: 1kg
– Type: Lawn food
– Specifically formulated for a beautiful green lawn in just 5 days
– Can be used with a watering can or Miracle-gro feeder
Application Guide
Target plants: Typically formulated for laurel hedges, St. Augustine grass, Bermuda grass, tall fescue, and other lawn grasses.
Application Forms: The Miracle-Gro Lawn Food is available as blue colored granules.
Application Rate: 1 tablespoon of the Miracle-Gro Lawn Food per 1 gallon of water for 45 sq. ft.
How to Apply: Mix the Miracle-Gro Lawn Food in the gallons of water and spray to the lawn using a watering can or a knapsack sprayer for a large lawn size.
When to apply: Apply the Miracle-Gro Lawn every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the growing season.
Precautions:
– Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask when mixing.
– Store in a cool and dry place.
– Keep out of reach of children and pets
– Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
– Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying.
Tips For Fertilizing Laurel Hedge
- Fertilizer is best applied to Laurel Hedge during the early spring and mid-summer.
- Feed Laurel Hedge during the coolest part of the day, I recommend during the evening.
- Water the Laurel Hedge immediately after fertilizer application
- It is highly beneficial to prune the Laurel Hedge before applying fertilizer
- Mulching the Laurel Hedge will improve the efficacy of the fertilizer.
Environmental Conditions for Growing Laurel Hedge
Laurel hedging thrives in acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The pH of your soil is important for the health of your English laurel; too acidic will result in a poorly growing hedge. If you’re unsure of the soil pH, you can purchase a soil-testing probe to conduct a soil test yourself.
Soil pH levels range from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. The best soil pH for a Laurel hedge is between 6.5 and 7.5. Soil pH directly affects the availability of soil minerals for plants. If the soil pH is too high, you can add pelletized limestone to the soil or apply large amounts of organic matter to the soil to regulate the soil pH.
Conclusion
Fertilizing your hedge regularly will make it look its best for many years to come. There are a few choices of Laurel hedge fertilizer available. You can choose a slow-release fertilizer, compost, or NPK fertilizer. Make sure to use a fertilizer that is suitable for your soil type, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Also, when fertilizing the Laurel Hedge with any of the NPK fertilizers, it is best to apply at the application rate recommended by the manufacturer; this is to avoid too much fertilizer, as this could burn the roots and leaves of the plant. You can find the usage guide on the label of the fertilizers after purchase.