Hello everyone! I've decided to plant an evergreen hedge in my front yard (mostly for privacy, though I plan to keep it trimmed to 4'). My house is in a somewhat exposed location, close to the community mailbox, walking path, and traffic. I would like something evergreen, and I've decided against cedars, laurel and yew after some research (including reading here!). I live in Langley, and this plant is used fairly extensively in my area on boulevards and in residential landscaping. After much googling, I can't figure out what this plant is. Can you help? Any opinions or insight welcome! Though I realize a hedge isn't an overly exciting topic
'Otto Luyken' English laurel. If you have decided against "laurel", as the term is used in this region then this one is disqualified. Although greener and more compact than usual I wouldn't plant it anyway as it is particularly susceptible to Prunus Shot Hole here, with infested plantings looking as though a shotgun has been fired through them. Also it is slow growing, you would be waiting years to get any height for privacy. Down here there are many sheared plantings of Pacific wax myrtle that seem to be working out. This grows comparatively rapidly yet apparently tolerates later conversion into topiary-like closely cropped shapes quite well.
Thank you very much, Ron! I really appreciate your response and insight. Darn, I had decided against laurel in general (novice gardener here!), on account of its ability to grow like mad. Maybe I will reconsider. The area to fill is approximately 30' and budget is a consideration so I will certainly investigate the Pacific wax myrtle as well. Sincere thanks!
