Otto Luyken English Stan Laurel ( Prunus laurocerasus ' Otto Luyken ' ) originated in the Mediterranean , allot to Sheri Davis , master nurseryman at the University of Idaho Extension . The low - maintenance shrub needs little fertilizer generally . The shrub produces evergreen , glossy leave-taking , fragrant white or yellowish flowers and purple berry in the autumn . arise it as a specimen plant , a hedge or even a topiary .

Balanced Fertilizer

Otto Luyken laurel is pertain to azaleas and rhododendrons and has like fertility requirements . No extra fertiliser is needed in well - amended , prolific land , but nurseryman may apply a few tablespoon of a slow - release , granular plant food ( 10 - 10 - 10 ) in the natural spring or fall , harmonize to the U.S. National Arboretum . The plant have shallow roots and are easily burned by fertilizer ; spread fertilizer several inches away from the base of the plant .

Soil Amendments

land amendment are preferred to mealy plant food except in the poorest soil , because they pose less of a risk of cut the works . Spread three or four shovelfuls of well - rot manure or humous at the base of the bush every spring . These amendment break down slowly , providing nutrient as they meliorate soil texture .

Mulches and Acidic Fertilizers

mulch conserve wet and prevent weed growing , but they also represent a part in fertilizing Otto Luyken laurels . These shrubs prefer slimly acid soil and welfare from pine bark and pine needle mulches , which lower the soil pH. Some fertilizers also add acid to the ground , let down the pH level temporarily . When the dirt pH stage is high , the leaves become icteric ( chlorosis ) due to an iron deficiency . Alkaline soils stick up iron , making it unavailable for plant .

General Care

Otto Luyken laurel develop in sunshine to partial spectre in USDA plant hardiness geographical zone 6 to 8 . It needs regular watering and is not consider drouth - resistant . The works grow 3 to 5 feet in high spirits and benefits from pruning after unfolding . Shearing to organize hedges mutilates the leave , advises Washington State University Clark County Extension . Instead , prune item-by-item stems .

Warning

Otto Luyken Stan Laurel is an encroaching plant in some areas and is listed as a " plant life of business organisation " by the King County , Washington , government activity . It spreads easy through seeds , layering and all-day sucker and may outcompete native plants in moist climates . It is also difficult to wipe out .

All parts of the bush are poisonous , including the source , leaves and stems , and may be fatal to humans and livestock if eaten .

References

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