Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis' Skip Laurel
The Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'), also known as Schip Laurel, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage, glossy leaves, and adaptability.
🌿 Foliage & Color:
- Glossy, dark green leaves year-round
- Long, narrow leaves (2-4 inches), giving it an elegant appearance
- Provides lush, dense coverage, perfect for privacy
🌸 Flowers & Fruit:
- Fragrant white flower spikes (3-5 inches long) bloom in spring (April-May)
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
- Produces small black berries in late summer, which birds enjoy
🌳 Growth & Shape:
- Fast-growing, adding 1-2 feet per year
- Reaches 10-15 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide (can be pruned smaller)
- Upright, columnar shape, making it ideal for hedges and screens
🌞 Sun & Soil Requirements:
- Grows in full sun, partial shade, or full shade
- Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but tolerates clay and dry conditions
- Drought-tolerant once established
🏙 Landscape Uses:
- Excellent for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and property borders
- Can be used as a foundation plant or backdrop for garden beds
- Works well in formal or natural landscapes
🌱 Maintenance & Hardiness:
- Low-maintenance and easy to prune
- Hardy in USDA zones 5-9
- Deer-resistant but may be browsed in high-pressure areas
The Skip Laurel’s fast growth, dense foliage, and shade tolerance make it a top choice for privacy hedges and year-round greenery! 🌿✨