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We have one of these in the garden, it's only small (one of the survivors of the ivy ocean garden) but has really started to grow. Just wondering if it is good for wildlife or if anyone knows anything about them as there doesn't seem to be much about them online other than the basics.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hi Kat
In my last house we planted a few weedy sticks of Spotted Laurel. They grew into a thick, verdant hedge in no time. However, I don't recall any birds nesting in it or any wildlife activity. I could be wrong but I think it's poisonous.
Cheers
Pipit
Edit: this may help. http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/79.shtml
Ive a friend with a hedge of spotted laurel and I never noticed much activity in it, I'm sorry to say.
Aucuba japonica Variegata or Spotted Laurel
All parts are poisonous but will only cause mild stomach upset.
The berries are eaten by some birds but taste very bitter to us so children are at no risk from eating one.
Best wishes Chris
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I have a spotted laurel, about 4 plants that make up a small low hedge
in the front garden, it grows quite quick so i have to prune it 3-4 times a year,
i keep it short, about 3 feet tall & 18'' wide,
It is a haven for snails, there are loads packed tightly around the trunk of the bush, the thrushes love them.
it's also full of spiders, which the blue & great tits feed on.
i was going to dig mine out last year but never got round to it.
i will take it out this year & put something in with berries on that looks nicer than the laurel.
regards Val
Hmmm, I'm wondering whether to just dig it out or not.
It used to be used as foliage by flower arrangers but is considered a bit old-fashioned for that purpose nowadays.
I have a medium size plant in my garden (mum was a flower arranger) and find the smaller birds head for it when the blackbird sounds the alarm.
Chris.
A very old Shropshire Lad.
That's a very good point Chris S.
Any bush is good for cover and the Laurel would be much better than nothing if you lack other hedging or shrubs nearby.
KatTai said: Hmmm, I'm wondering whether to just dig it out or not.
Well Kat
You could always take up motor racing and use your laurel to make a victor's crown when you win!!!!
Pip :))
I'm planning to put some laurels into my garden because they're the sort of bushes that small birds can easily hide in and they have the 6in or so space underneath with nice big fallen leaves that blackbirds like to scuttle around and play frisbee in.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.