{"product_id":"skip-laurel-prunus-laurocerasus-schipkaensis","title":"Skip Laurel - Prunus laurocerasus Schipkaensis","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCreate Year-Round Privacy with Dense Evergreen Screening\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkip Laurel gives you a fast, polished privacy screen with glossy evergreen foliage that stays dense, dark green, and attractive year round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Schip Laurel, Schipka Laurel, Skipka Laurel, or \u003cem\u003ePrunus laurocerasus\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Schipkaensis’, this evergreen shrub is a refined type of cherry laurel valued for its upright habit, narrow leaves, and dependable coverage. Use it as a skip laurel hedge along property lines, a formal laurel hedge near an entry, or a dense \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/evergreen-trees\"\u003eevergreen backdrop in a mixed landscape\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned to help you create privacy without seasonal gaps, Skip Laurel brings structure, shade tolerance, fragrant white spring flowers, and a professional garden finish to residential and commercial spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love Skip Laurel\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-round privacy\u003c\/strong\u003e – Dense evergreen foliage remains vibrant through winter, giving your landscape coverage when deciduous trees and shrubs are bare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast privacy results\u003c\/strong\u003e – Schip laurel can grow up to two feet per year, making it a fast-growing option for creating a dense privacy screen; many customers maintain it at 6–8 feet for a practical privacy hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e – In late spring, Schip Laurel produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers; these fragrant flowers and upright flower spikes add charm and support pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow maintenance once established\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, Schip laurel requires minimal maintenance, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners who want dense growth without constant attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer resistant performance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Mature plants are considered deer resistant compared to many privacy plants, though new plants and tender new growth may still need protection in high-pressure areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe medium-sized, glossy evergreen foliage of Schip Laurel creates a lush, layered appearance that enhances gardens, foundation plantings, and formal hedge designs. Its glossy, dark green leaves remain vibrant throughout all seasons, providing a polished look to landscapes and enhancing privacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes Skip Laurel Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost alternatives focus on height alone. Leyland cypress can become too tall and wide, bamboo may be difficult to contain and is sometimes considered invasive, and many conifers such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/fern-pine-podocarpus-gracilior\"\u003eFern Pine hedges\u003c\/a\u003e can still struggle in shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkip Laurel\u003c\/strong\u003e has:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefined broadleaf texture\u003c\/strong\u003e – Glossy, narrow leaves give this shrub a cleaner, more elegant look than coarser evergreen screens like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/indian-laurel-tree-ficus-microcarpa-nitida\"\u003eIndian Laurel privacy hedges\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBetter light flexibility\u003c\/strong\u003e – This shrub prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial to full shade, making it versatile for various planting locations where other evergreens struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrunable structure\u003c\/strong\u003e – Skip Laurel responds well to heavy pruning to maintain a specific height or shape, ideally pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReliable hedge habit\u003c\/strong\u003e – The dense, upright habit of Skip Laurel makes it a popular choice for creating living walls for privacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold-hardy usefulness\u003c\/strong\u003e – Best suited for USDA hardiness zone 6–8 landscapes, Skip Laurel handles winter better than many broadleaf evergreens such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/english-laurel-hedge-everything-you-should-know\"\u003eEnglish Laurel hedges\u003c\/a\u003e when planted in a protected, well-drained site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchip Laurel thrives best in moist, well-drained soil with a higher organic content and is tolerant of a range of soil acidity, similar to other broadleaf hedge choices like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/carolina-cherry-laurel-prunus-caroliniana\"\u003eCarolina Cherry Laurel\u003c\/a\u003e. Avoid poor drainage: Skip Laurel is sensitive to waterlogged roots, which can lead to yellowing or root rot, requiring well-draining soil for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Skip Laurel Transforms Your Space\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant for the privacy style you want\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor a continuous privacy hedge, medium-sized Skip Laurel specimens should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart. For a looser natural screen with enough space between mature shrubs, plant 6–8 feet apart. Dig a planting hole wide enough for the root ball, set the plant so the root flare is level with or slightly above ground level, and backfill with surrounding soil improved with compost if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet dense growth fill in naturally\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith sun to partial shade, steady moisture, mulch, and well drained soil, Schip Laurel can grow up to two feet per year. Its upright branches and dense foliage typically knit together into a strong privacy screen within 2–3 growing seasons, especially when new plants are watered deeply during establishment, or when combined with other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003epopular privacy trees and shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintain the height and shape you prefer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep a formal skip laurel hedge clipped, or allow the shrub to grow into a softer natural screen. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, then lightly shape after flowering if needed. Skip Laurel does not require heavy fertilization; a light application of balanced, organic fertilizer is sufficient in early spring to encourage new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a dense screen that can be maintained around 6–8 feet for everyday privacy, while mature Schip laurel plants typically reach heights of 10–15 feet and widths of 6–12 feet, depending on the cultivar and pruning style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Name: \u003cem\u003ePrunus laurocerasus\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Schipkaensis’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Names: Skip Laurel, Schip Laurel, Schipka Laurel, Skipka Laurel, Schipka Cherry Laurel; a cousin to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/sweet-bay-laurus-nobilis-2\"\u003eBay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub closely related to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/english-laurel-prunus-laurocerasus-1\"\u003eEnglish Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypical Maintained Hedge Size: 6–8 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature Potential: Mature Schip laurel plants typically reach heights of 10–15 feet and widths of 6–12 feet, depending on the cultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth Rate: Fast; Schip laurel can grow up to two feet per year, making it an excellent choice for quickly establishing a dense privacy screen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of full shade, though density is best with some sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil Preferences: Moist, well drained soil with higher organic content; adaptable to many soil types and a range of soil acidity, similar to other evergreen shrubs like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/glossy-privet-ligustrum-lucidum\"\u003eGlossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrainage Needs: Requires good soil drainage; poor drainage and waterlogged roots can cause yellowing, root rot, and other plant problems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBloom Time: Late spring fragrant white flower clusters, often followed by ornamental fruit that may pass through a red berries stage before darkening\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness Zone: Best in USDA zones 6–8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance: Low maintenance once established; prune to control size, shape the hedge, and remove damaged leaves or branches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering: Water deeply after planting and during dry periods; established plants become more drought tolerant but still perform best with consistent moisture, much like fruiting trees such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/pomegranate-tree\"\u003ePomegranate tree\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizer: Light balanced organic fertilizer in early spring is enough; heavy fertilization is not required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Skip Laurel Is Perfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHomeowners needing a privacy hedge or privacy screen along property lines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners who want a low maintenance evergreen foundation planting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscapers creating formal hedge designs, living walls, or structured garden borders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone seeking year round evergreen structure in a mixed landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProperties with partial shade, full shade edges, or filtered sun where other evergreens may thin out\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomers who want an excellent privacy hedge with dark green foliage, fragrant white flowers, and dense upright growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a fast-growing evergreen shrub that looks polished in full sun to partial shade, Skip Laurel fits beautifully. It is especially useful where you want the lush look of laurel, the structure of a hedge, and the flexibility to prune for a specific height or natural shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does skip laurel grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchip laurel can grow up to two feet per year in good conditions. With moist, well-drained soil, mulch, and regular watering during establishment, a skip laurel hedge can become a dense screen within 2–3 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow far apart should I plant skip laurel for a hedge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor continuous privacy hedges, medium-sized Skip Laurel specimens should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart. For a more natural laurel hedge with more airflow and enough space for mature growth, 6–8 feet apart can work well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant skip laurel?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly spring and fall are the best planting windows. When planting Schip Laurel, set the root flare level with or slightly above ground level, keep the root ball stable, backfill with surrounding soil, and water deeply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes skip laurel need regular pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSkip Laurel responds well to heavy pruning when you need to control size or maintain a specific shape. For best results, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, then lightly trim after flowering if you want a tighter formal hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill skip laurel survive California’s climate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, Skip Laurel can perform well in many California landscapes, especially where it receives sun to partial shade and has good soil drainage. In hotter inland areas, protect it from harsh afternoon sun and avoid waterlogged roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Create Your Privacy Paradise?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop settling for bare fences, seasonal gaps, or privacy plants that outgrow the space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003eSkip Laurel\u003c\/strong\u003e for glossy evergreen foliage, dense growth, fragrant white spring flowers, and a refined year-round screen that can be shaped into a formal hedge or grown as a natural evergreen backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeed help planning a large privacy project? Yardwork can help with plant selection, spacing, delivery options, and consultation for larger hedge installations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":46018608922797,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 Gallon","offer_id":46018608955565,"sku":null,"price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/PrunusSchipkaensis.jpg?v=1778995119","url":"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/skip-laurel-prunus-laurocerasus-schipkaensis","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}