How Do I Fertilize Schip Cherry Laurels?

Plants such as Schip Cherry Laurel grow best if they are fertilized once in the spring and again in early summer. Laurels benefit from nutrient-rich fertilizers that raise the acid level of the soil, such as Holly-Tone by Espoma. Organic additions to the soil can also be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect. If you choose to use chemical fertilizers, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring. Over-fertilization can be much more detrimental than under-fertilization, so be sure to follow the directions closely. Don't fertilize Schip Cherry Laurel after August. Fertilizing at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter.

How Fast do Schip Laurels Grow?

Cherry Laurels are very fast growing; in ideal growing conditions, they can grow 2.5 feet per year, reaching a height of 14 to 16 feet if left unpruned. Its rapid growth rate makes it one of the most useful plants for creating privacy or simply screening out unsightly areas of your yard.

Schip cherry laurel hedge along driveway

Images Depict Mature Plants

Skip Cherry Laurel

Q: How to Plant Skip Cherry Laurel Shrubs?

When planting your Schip Cherry Laurel, dip a hole that is twice as wide, but no deeper than the pot your shrub arrived in. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole. This prevents stem rot and allows the plant to receive proper air circulation. You may need to add locally sourced compost or topsoil to the back-fill soil.

Q: How Do I Mulch Skip Cherry Laurel Shrubs?

When mulching your Schip Cherry Laurel, any type of mulch will do, but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they break down. Mulching helps to keep weeds away while protecting the root system of the laurel trees. A two to three-inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to leave a one-inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant to prevent stem rot.

Q: How Do I Water Skip Cherry Laurel Shrubs?

After planting your Laurel shrub, give your plant a slow, deep watering. This will encourage the roots to settle into their new home. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day thereafter. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. You’ll want to water the bushes regularly after planting until they’ve been well established. When watering, it's best not to water the foliage of the plant. Instead, water at the base of the plant near the soil line. Gator bag Jr. slowly releases water into the root zone of the plant to aid in the process.

Q: How Do I Prune Skip Cherry Laurels?

Schip Cherry Laurel is a shrub that should be pruned in the late spring after flowering to encourage new growth. The most important reason for pruning Laurels is to improve the overall health of the plant. Removing the dead and dying limbs will minimize the possibility of diseases while allowing the plant to re-concentrate its energies and produce much more foliage. As always, clean your tools before and after pruning to prevent the spreading of diseases from one plant to another.

Q: How Far Apart Should You Plant Skip Laurels?

You should plant Skip Cherry Laurel about 2 or 3 feet apart. For quick privacy, plant 2 feet apart but planting 3 feet apart will give you the same dense hedge in slightly more time.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'

Skip Cherry Laurels add timeless elegance to any landscape with their glossy, dark green foliage and vibrant white springtime blooms. Their dense, upright growth habit creates a beautiful natural privacy screen or a striking backdrop for your garden.

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Woodies Root Booster Fertilizer

Woodies Select 4-4-4 Organic Fertilizer

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Corona Aluminum Hedge Shear

Skip Cherry Laurels for Sale Online

Are you looking for a fast-growing evergreen hedge? Skip Cherry Laurels (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis') offer year-round privacy and lush, glossy foliage. These versatile shrubs thrive in sun or shade and are ideal for privacy screens, foundation plantings, and natural borders. Enjoy their fragrant white blooms in spring and minimal maintenance needs.

Experience the effortless beauty of Skip Cherry Laurel with our easy-to-care-for plants. Resistant to pests, diseases, and deer, these hardy evergreen shrubs require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners seeking reliable, long-lasting beauty.

Skip Cherry Laurel's dense foliage provides excellent privacy screening, noise reduction, and windbreak capabilities, making it a popular choice for urban and suburban landscapes. With proper care, including regular watering and occasional pruning to shape and maintain size, your Skip Cherry Laurel plants will reward you with years of vibrant greenery and natural charm.

Growzone: 6-9

Hardiness Zone:	6-9
Mature Height:	6 to 10 Feet
Mature Width:	5 to 6 Feet
Classification:	Broad leaved evergreen shrub
Sunlight:	Full sun to part shade
Habit:	Densely branched, upright
Foliage:	Dark green
Flower Color:	White fragrant flowers that produce red berries
Pruning Season:	Prune in spring after flowering if needed to maintain shape
Soil Condition:	Any well drained soil
Water Requirements:	Water well until established
Uses:	Extremely attractive when used in the mixed border, against foundations, or as a privacy hedge.

How to Care for Skip Cherry Laurel

Before you buy a Skip Cherry Laurel, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.

How to Plant Skip Cherry Laurel Shrubs?

Planting Skip Cherry Laurel is a straightforward process that begins with selecting a suitable location in your landscape. Choose a spot with well-drained soil in full to partial sun. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your Skip Cherry Laurel plant. Gently remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots before placing it in the center of the hole. Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly after firming the soil to eliminate any air pockets. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, and prune as needed to maintain desired shape and size. With proper planting and care, your Skip Cherry Laurel will thrive and beautify your landscape for years to come.

How Do I Mulch Skip Cherry Laurel Shrubs?

Mulching Skip Cherry Laurels is an essential step in maintaining their health and vitality. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps to retain moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.. When mulching, use organic materials such as shredded bark, wood chips, or pine needles. Spread them evenly around the root zone, extending out to the drip line of the plant. Be careful not to mound mulch against the trunk, as this can lead to potential rot. Aim for a depth of 2-3 inches, replenishing the mulch yearly or as needed to maintain the desired thickness

How and when should I Fertilize Skip Cherry Laurels?

Fertilizing Skip Cherry Laurels is key to promoting their growth and maintaining their lush foliage over the years. It's best to fertilize these plants in the early spring, just before new growth begins, and again in late spring or early summer. Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, taking care not to allow it to come into direct contact with the foliage or stems. Water the area thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the root zone. Avoid over-fertilizing or fertilizing to late in the season, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced cold hardiness. With regular fertilization, your Skip Cherry Laurels will receive the nutrients they need to thrive and remain healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.

How Do I Water Skip Cherry Laurel Shrubs?

Proper watering is essential for the health and vitality of Skip Cherry Laurels, especially during their establishment period and in times of drought. Water newly planted Skip Cherry Laurels deeply and regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Once established, Skip Cherry Laurels are relatively drought-tolerant but will still benefit from occasional watering during extended dry periods, particularly in hot climates. Watering deeply and infrequently is preferred over frequent shallow watering, as it encourages the development of a deep and robust root system. Avoid wetting the leaves when possible, as this can lead to fungal diseases and foliage damage. It is always recommended to water at the base of the plant as opposed to spraying the leaves.

Additional Information

The most noticeable feature of any hedge is the appearance of its glossy leaves. The common name, cherry laurel, hints at the resemblance of its leaves to true laurel leaves, which are beautifully oblong and dark green. Prunus laurocerasus schipkaensis has beautiful stalks of fragrant, white flowers that appear in the spring. As the flowers fade and small cherry-sized red berries are born on the spent flower spikes, another season of interest is added. This is where the common name "cherry laurel" comes from.

These berries are edible by humans but very sour. They are far more prized by the birds which will flock to your garden from summer to winter. During the winter months, Schip Laurels provide the perfect habitat for non-migratory songbirds which will thank you for providing the wide-spreading coverage that is so much needed during the winter months.

SCHIP LAUREL EVERGREEN PRIVACY SHRUB

The dense, green foliage of Schip Laurel is thick and full. If you want your privacy laurel hedge to form a solid wall of greenery to the ground, you can underplant Schips with smaller, lower-growing shrubs that can be used to cover the bare bottoms of the plants.

Space the smaller shrubs far enough from the base of your Skip Laurels so that the mature size of both types of plants doesn't touch the base so much that the smaller evergreens get lost in Skip's foliage. We call this space negative space and it is one of the fundamental rules of landscape design. Otto Luyken Laurels are a great choice for underplanting due to their slightly smaller leaves.

For an informal look, space Skip Laurels 5 to 6 feet apart on center. For an even more open look, space them up to 10 feet apart. For a formal or dense hedge, space each plant only 3 to 4 feet apart. As the plants mature, their branches will overlap and they'll form a continuous solid hedge.