Growth Rate & Benefits of Potted Portuguese Laurel for Professional Planting Projects
Whether you’re a professional landscaper or gardening contractor, selecting the right hedge plants can significantly impact project success, client satisfaction, and your bottom line. Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) has become increasingly popular for professional planting projects, but the form in which you purchase it—potted versus root-balled—can make a substantial difference in establishment, growth rate, and overall project outcomes.
Potted vs. Root-Balled: Portuguese Laurel Growth Rate Comparison
When it comes to Portuguese laurel hedging plants, potted specimens offer a clear advantage in first-year growth rates compared to their root-balled counterparts. Here's why:
Established Root Systems
Potted Portuguese laurel plants have already established their root systems within the container, typically after being transferred from field growth during the autumn months.
Faster First-Year Growth
Potted specimens can achieve nearly double the growth rate in the first year compared to root-balled plants, particularly when planted in spring or summer.
Earlier Visible Growth
While root-balled plants planted late in the season (March-April) might not show new growth until mid-May, potted Portuguese laurel will likely already be sprouting new leaves by April, giving your projects a more finished appearance.
Commercial Benefits for Professional Landscapers
As a professional landscaper or contractor, using potted Portuguese laurel offers several commercial advantages:
1. Reduced Failure Rate and Client Callbacks
Perhaps the most significant commercial benefit is peace of mind. Potted Portuguese laurel plants have a dramatically higher success rate than root-balled specimens, especially in challenging conditions. This translates to:
- Fewer client callbacks about dead or struggling plants
- Reduced replacement costs and labour
- Better overall project reviews and referrals
- Less time spent on uncomfortable conversations about who covers replacement costs
2. Year-Round Planting Flexibility
Meeting tight project deadlines is critical in commercial landscaping. Potted Portuguese laurel gives you the flexibility to:
- Plant any time of year to accommodate building completion schedules
- Take on projects regardless of seasonal constraints
- Complete landscaping installations when clients need them, not when the planting calendar dictates
3. Efficiency in Installation
While potted specimens cost approximately 30% more upfront than root-balled plants, they offer labour savings:
- No need to amend soil as extensively—the plants come in high-quality compost with slow-release fertiliser
- Faster installation process with simple "slip and plant" technique
- Less specialised knowledge required for successful establishment
Ideal Applications for Potted Portuguese Laurel
Portuguese laurel's dense growth habit and relatively fast growth rate makes it particularly suitable for:
Screening Projects
The small leaf structure creates a denser visual barrier per square metre than many other hedge varieties
Premium Landscaping
Its reputation as a smarter, more upmarket plant makes it ideal for high-end landscaping projects
Quick-Transformations
Ideal for when clients need immediate visual impact
Quality Considerations
When purchasing Portuguese laurel, remember that height specifications don't tell the whole story. Quality can vary significantly, with premium plants from a reputable nursery being:
- Denser and bushier (not thin or spindly)
- Properly trimmed during field cultivation (typically requiring twice-yearly trimming)
- Correctly undercut with proper root pruning
Choose Portuguese Laurel for Your Next Project
While potted Portuguese laurel represents a higher initial investment than root-balled alternatives, the commercial benefits—higher success rates, faster growth, year-round planting flexibility, and reduced callbacks—make it a cost-effective choice for professional landscaping projects where reliability and client satisfaction are paramount.
For your next project requiring elegant, reliable screening with minimal maintenance concerns, consider potted Portuguese laurel as your hedge of choice.
Potted Portuguese Laurel from Mathias Nurseries
At our family-run nursery, we stock potted Portuguese laurel hedging plants in heights ranging from 90cm (3ft) to 2.1m (7ft), with the 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft) size being most popular among professional clients due to its ability to immediately screen standard 6ft fencing while establishing.
Get started today and browse our extensive range of UK-grown Portuguese Laurel hedging or get in touch with our friendly team to find out more.