Will anything grow next to a Laurel ?

I have finished digging over my border ( 7M wide x 2.5M depth ) and it’s now ready for some well rotted manure, my question is I have a nice size Laurel which I have trimmed and reshaped. In my research of what shade loving plants to plant under or near it I read that nothing will grow beside it due to the acid deposits into the soil from a Laurel. Is this true and if so should I add anything else to the soil ?

 

I think as long as you dont go too close it should be ok.
Probably the biggest problem is the fact the Laurel will rob the soil around it of water and nutrient.

 

Ok thanks Pete

 

That's good news, I have just bought a Portuguese Laurel for a border refurbishment. I didn't know of them when I bought it, I just wanted a laurel. Fortunately it is a very nice looking shrub as well with its dark green leaves and reddish stems.

 

Just come back on here to look at replies, have been a bit busy, in answer to Pete’s Q, it’s a Cherry Laurel, not the Portuguese.
Researched it some more and there’s some scary stories online that it contains Cyanide and that’s why nothing will grow ! My OH suggested that a leave a small gap either side and maybe plane a couple of small ferns just in front to see how they get on.
Can’t do anything till I get my manure delivered in the next day or so. Here’s a pic

 

My neighbour has a laurel hedge, the cherry laurel type.
Its been there for many years and I cut it about twice a year.
I have some yew mixed in the hedge on my side and various things growing my side in a border.
Nothing grows really well, but only because it bone dry there in summer, but nothing dies either.
It does contain small amounts of cyanide, but then so do apple pips and cherry stones and possibly the leaves of most Prunus species.
That's why they taste bitter and smell of almonds.

Its not worth worrying about, just don't eat it.

Not sure ferns would do well as it looks like a sunny position.

 

Have a look at cyclamen and maybe some spring bulbs, snowdrops, crocus and some of the smaller tulips such as the greggii types.

 

Yes I have those in mind too, I will try planting bluebells underneath as well