Compact Carolina Cherry Laurel

Planting Guide:

Location:

• Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages denser growth, but it can also tolerate some shade.
• Select an area with good air circulation to help reduce the risk of disease.
• Great for planting as a hedge, screen, or vertical accent in the garden.

Soil:

• Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils, but make sure the area doesn't stay waterlogged.
• Soil pH can range from neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline.

Planting Steps:

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down gently to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to retain moisture and control weeds.

Care Guide:

Watering:

• Water regularly until the plant is established, usually for the first 6-12 months.
• Once established, ‘Bright 'n Tight' Column is fairly drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during dry spells will promote better growth and appearance.

Fertilizing:

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• If necessary, a second application can be made in mid-summer to encourage growth.

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. This is the best time to shape the plant and control its height and width.
• For hedges, trim as needed during the growing season to maintain a neat, formal appearance.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches throughout the year to keep the plant healthy.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Generally resistant to pests, but you may occasionally encounter issues with scales, aphids, or caterpillars. Inspect regularly and treat with appropriate insecticidal soap or organic methods if needed.
• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew or leaf spot. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

Mulching:

• Maintain a consistent layer of 2-3 inches of mulch around the base. This helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
• Refresh the mulch as needed, but avoid piling it directly against the trunk.

Spacing Recommendations:

• Hedge or Privacy Screen: Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
  • This distance allows the plants to grow close enough to form a dense, continuous screen.
  • For a tighter, faster-growing hedge, consider planting them at the closer end of this range.
• Individual Specimens: Space plants 5 to 6 feet apart.
  • This provides enough room for each plant to show off its columnar form without overcrowding.

Additional Planting Tips:

1. Ensure consistent spacing to create a uniform, neat appearance, especially when planting a hedge.
2. Consider planting in a staggered row (zigzag pattern) if you want a denser, fuller screen.