WHAT: The Mount Vernon variety of dwarf English laurel creates a dense, tidy evergreen mound, making it an ideal ground cover.
WHY PLANT IT: Though it is a cousin of a larger, more aggressive English laurel, it is well-behaved. It does not flower or set seed. Even with its diminutive habit, it carries the tough, rugged qualities of its larger, more domineering counterpart.
WHERE: It can tolerate almost any soil, except for the most water-logged areas. In full sun it will provide tight dense growth, but it can tolerate dry shade once it is established. Though its habit is slightly looser when grown in the shade, it should be dense enough to control most weeds.
HOW: Use it for a low, informal bed border or as a small hedge. It also works as a groundcover under trees and large shrubs.
ACTUAL SIZE: Its compact growth rarely exceeds 2 feet tall and 5 feet wide in its first 10 years. More sun and reduced water will limit its growth. Light pruning easily keeps it narrower. Adding compost to particularly poor soils can help speed growth.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
