Best Fertiliser for Laurel Hedge in Australia: Growth Guide & Seasonal Care

The best fertiliser for laurel hedge is one that supports vigorous, dense leaf growth without overwhelming the root system or stressing evergreen foliage. Whether you’re growing Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) or Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica), both species thrive with balanced nutrition and consistent soil moisture. These hedges are widely planted across Australia in cool, temperate, and even warm zones due to their fast growth, broad leaves, and year-round greenery.

Cherry Laurel is a large-leafed hedge variety known for its glossy, bright green foliage and fast-growing nature. It responds especially well to spring feeding and light shaping. Portuguese Laurel has smaller, darker leaves with a tighter growth habit, making it ideal for formal borders and clipped hedging. Both benefit from the same feeding strategy but differ slightly in their pruning rhythm and spacing needs.

In Australia, Laurel hedges are often planted for privacy around suburban properties, along roadsides, or on larger rural blocks. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0–7.0), moderate humidity, and are tolerant of light frost once established. In QLD or coastal NSW, laurel hedges require partial shade to avoid leaf scorch, while in VIC, TAS, or the Southern Highlands, full sun is ideal for compact growth.

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Feeding Laurel Hedges Through the Seasons

Laurel hedges produce thick canopies of foliage from early spring to mid-autumn. Their leaves are nutrient-demanding, especially for nitrogen, which fuels chlorophyll production and shoot development. The best fertiliser for laurel hedge growth is a complete NPK blend that delivers balanced macronutrients with trace elements to avoid leaf scorch, tip burn, and yellowing.

Recommended Product:

CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 Powder Fertiliser is the ideal all-season fertiliser for laurel hedges. It delivers:

20% Nitrogen for lush, thick foliage and faster height gain
20% Phosphorus for deeper root anchoring and water efficiency
20% Potassium for resilience against wind, dry weather, and trimming stress

Apply every 3–4 weeks from early spring (August–September) through summer (December–February). Use 1–2 tablespoons per metre of hedge, diluted in water and applied at the root zone. Avoid applying during the heat of the day—early morning or late afternoon is best.

Optional (Post-Pruning Boost):

If trimming in summer or autumn, you can follow up 7–10 days later with NPK 4-18-38 + Cal-Mag to harden foliage and reduce stress. This is especially helpful in warmer zones where laurel hedges can brown at the tips if over-pruned or underfed during hot weather.

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Troubleshooting Laurel Hedge Problems

Even with the best fertiliser for laurel hedge growth, you may occasionally see yellow leaves, slow fill-in, or leggy lower sections. Common causes include:

Yellowing leaves: Often nitrogen or magnesium deficiency; apply fertiliser and mulch to retain moisture
Sparse lower growth: Trim lightly from the top to encourage side shoots; feed during active growth
Leaf scorch: In hot climates, plant in dappled shade or use a potassium-forward fertiliser mid-summer

FAQs: Feeding Laurel Hedges

What’s the best fertiliser for laurel hedge in pots?

Use the same NPK 20-20-20 formula, but apply at half strength every 2 weeks. Potted laurels need more frequent feeding due to nutrient leaching.

How do I make my laurel hedge grow faster?

Feed consistently during spring and summer, water regularly, and trim lightly after each growth flush. Fertilising with NPK 20-20-20 promotes fast vertical and lateral growth.

Is NPK 20-20-20 safe for evergreen hedges?

Yes—CompleteGrow’s formula is pH-buffered and chloride-free, making it safe for evergreen shrubs like laurel, viburnum, and murraya.

Give Your Laurel Hedge the Nutrition It Deserves

Using the best fertiliser for laurel hedge is the easiest way to achieve a dense, private, and elegant screen all year round. Shop the CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 Fertiliser today and give your hedge the complete nutrition it needs to flourish in any Aussie garden.

For more hedge care tips, visit our CompleteGrow Gardening Blog or contact our plant care team.