Care of Otto Laurel Shrubs

Dig a hole just deep enough to plant the Otto laurel shrub at the level it grew when purchased.

Remove one-half of the garden soil and replace it with organic compost.

Place the roots into the hole and cover them with the soil and compost. Water until evenly moist, and keep the soil lightly moist during the growing season.

Place 3 inches of bark mulch around the shrubs to control weed growth and to protect their roots. Begin applying the mulch approximately three inches from the shrub's trunk and extend it outward a distance of three feet.

Feed each spring with general-purpose fertilizer. Apply at the rate suggested on package instructions.

Prune Otto laurel shrubs to the preferred shape after all blooms fade.

Watch for signs of disease, as Otto laurel shrubs are susceptible to powdery mildew and shot-hole disease. Symptoms of shot-hole disease include red or purple-tinged foliage spots and leaf holes. Powdery mildew results in a white coating on the leaves. Prune off growth affected by shot-hole disease promptly and treat with bordeaux fungicide. Treat shrubs affected by powdery mildew with horticultural oil. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, which may occur if the soil remains too moist.