Description
If you are looking for a lush green privacy screen that grows fast and is easy to take care of, Skip Laurel is the perfect option. Botanically known as Prunus laurocerasus ‘schipkaensis’, the Laurel Hedge is a hardy, dense, and evergreen bush that grows 10-20 feet tall. Unlike other plants, this species does not require special attention.
The Skip Laurel shrub gives a lush, elegant look to any garden 365 days a year and can be a perfect breathing privacy screen for your nosy neighbors. Read more to understand its taxonomy and ideal growing conditions.
Skip Laurel: Features and Benefits
Prunus laurocerasus ‘schipkaensis’ or Skip Laurel is an evergreen plant that is popularly grown due to its ability to grow in shades with minimal effort. Let us explore some basic features of the species.
Basic Features and Benefits of the Skip Laurel Tree |
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All the above-listed features and benefits make the Skip Laurel shrub the most widely grown evergreen genus. You will commonly see this plant grown as border beds or usually in urban garden areas.
Taxonomic Classification of Skip Laurel Hedge
The botanical name of the Skip Laurel plant is Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’, also known as Schip Laurel and Skip Cherry Laurel.
Read more to learn about the taxonomic classification of the genus.
Taxonomic Summary | |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Division | Magnoliophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida (dicots) |
Order | Rosales |
Family | Rosaceae (rose family) |
Genus | Prunus (plum) |
Species | Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel) |
This upright evergreen shrub is mostly used as a privacy screen or border bush in the garden. Growing 10–15 feet tall and 5–7 feet wide, the Skip Laurels are also perfect nesting bushes for many songbirds.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Skip Laurel Bush
If you are someone who is planning to grow the Skip Laurel shrubs, then knowing the ideal growing conditions of the plant is essential. Listed below are some planting tips for your ease.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Flame Thrower Redbud Tree | |
Hardiness Zone | USDA 5-9, can survive in moderate winters but difficult to grow in frost temperatures |
Light Exposure | Requires 4–6 hours of daily bright sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade |
Soil Type | Can be grown in clayey, loamy, or well-draining moist soil and can thrive in various soil conditions |
Water Needs | Requires regular watering during the initial stages, has drought-tolerant properties, requires moderate watering |
Make sure that you are planting the Skip Laurels 3–5 feet apart from each other to have a thick and dense privacy hedge. To maintain the shape and health of the bushes, it is advisable to prune them in late spring or early summer.
User Reviews and Ratings
Review: Dense bushy foliage, great privacy plant.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Easy to maintain, dark green, lush leaves. It’s a perfect border cover plant.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Great bushy hedge, very easy to take care of, and looks beautiful in my backyard.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: Gives a scenic look to the sidewalk area. Adds a stunning, dense look.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs
Are Skip Laurels poisonous to dogs?
Yes, all the parts of the Laurel Hedge, including the leaves, stems, and even the seeds, are harmful to dogs.
Is Skip Laurel susceptible to any plant disease?
Skip Laurel is commonly affected by a fungal infection, which makes a hole in the leaves of the plant.
Can Laurel Hedge be grown in containers?
No, you can grow the plant in containers. Once it is mature, it should be planted in the right place.
Laurel Skip belongs to which plant family?
Skip Laurel belongs to the Rosaceae group, which is a rose family.