Fertilising a Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken'
For robust growth and vitality, 'Otto Luyken' benefits from fertilization, ensuring its lush, evergreen foliage remains a vibrant green throughout the seasons. The ideal fertilizing regimen involves a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. This will support the plant's growth rate of 10-20 cm per year and contribute to its visual density, providing a quickly obscuring hedge.
A second application during midsummer can promote continued health, especially important for this variety's ability to withstand cold temperatures down to -17.8°C, aligning with USDA zone 6b. Care should be taken to distribute the fertilizer evenly around the base of the hedge, avoiding direct contact with the foliage and stems to prevent burn. Proper fertilization will also support the plant's flowering and fruiting, producing its characteristic white blossoms followed by attractive black and red fruit in autumn.