Plant Description and Overview of Skip Laurel
| Common Name | Skip Laurel, Schip Laurel, Skip Cherry Laurel | Maintenance | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Region | Bulgaria | Average Height | 10-15 feet |
| Plant Type | Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree | Average Width | 5-8 feet |
Skip Laurel shrub, scientifically called Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’, is a distinguished cold-hardy and drought-tolerant shrub. It is very famous among gardeners because of its glossy dark green leaves, fragrant spring flowers, and bird-friendly fruit. The shrub is perfect for many spaces, including fence lines and townhome landscapes.
Key Features and Benefits of Royal Purple Smoke Tree
- The upright and spreading tree features dense and bushy foliage that successfully maintains its deep green colour throughout winter.
- Produces candle-like fragrant white flowers in spring and non-edible black fruits in summer.
- Its bush has an aggressive and fibrous root structure that spreads rapidly to absorb nutrients.
- Thanks to the moderate growth rate, Skip Laurel hedge is capable of growing up to 3 feet a year in ideal conditions.
Care Guide, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Royal Purple Smoke Tree
- Growing Zone : USDA zones 6-9
- Sunlight Exposure : Can tolerate 4-8 hours of full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, the afternoon shade is preferred to support optimal growth.
- Water Needs : In the first two growing seasons, regular watering is recommended. Once established, it is drought-tolerant.
- Soil Type : Highly adaptable to clay, sand, and loam soils, if they are well-drained and fertile.
Advantages
- Generally ignored by deer and rabbits, reducing the maintenance efforts.
- Unlike other evergreens, it remains full and vibrant even in partial to heavy shade.
- Found to be highly tolerant of pollution and other urban conditions.
- Can handle severe and rejuvenating pruning well if necessary.
Disadvantages
- Susceptible to root rot if left in the standing water for a long period of time.
- Leaves and berries containing cyanogenic glycosides can be toxic to pets and children.
- Can suffer from issues like White Peach Scale, shot-hole borer, and leaf spot.
- Can wilt in dry, windy spots if regular moisture is not provided.
Alice Lee –
Due to its spectacular growth habit, it is ideal for privacy screens, holding the rich green colour throughout the winter.
Brian Wright –
I bought the shrub on sale last year. Resistant to pests, deer, and rabbits, the shrub is growing rapidly in my courtyard, becoming a wonderful focal point.
Jeffrey Hughes –
The oval-shaped dark green foliage and visually pleasing fragrant white flower spikes certainly make it a showstopper, enhancing the beauty of diverse landscapes.
Kathleen Walker –
I spotted Skip Laurel for the first time in my neighbour’s garden. If you are looking for an evergreen tree to be planted in narrow spaces, then this is the best choice.