Skip Laurel

The Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis') is a captivating cultivar of the common cherry laurel, prized for its dense, glossy green foliage and low-maintenance nature. Unlike its towering wild relatives, the Skip Laurel boasts a delightfully compact stature, making it a perfect choice for gardeners seeking year-round greenery without the commitment of a large tree.

A Bushy Beauty

Skip Laurel's defining characteristic is its manageable size. Here's a closer look at its key features:

Compact Stature: Reaching a mature height of only 6-10 feet and a spread of 4-6 feet in 10 years, the Skip Laurel remains comfortably contained in most landscapes. This makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, foundation plantings, or even container displays.Moderate Growth Rate: Adding just 1-2 feet annually, the Skip Laurel grows at a moderate pace. This manageable growth rate minimizes the need for frequent pruning and ensures the plant maintains its compact form for years to come.Dense Foliage: The Skip Laurel boasts an abundance of glossy, deep green leaves that create a lush and visually appealing texture. The elliptical leaves have a pointed tip and slightly serrated edges, adding a touch of visual interest.Evergreen Appeal: One of the Skip Laurel's greatest assets is its evergreen nature. It retains its vibrant green foliage throughout the year, adding a touch of life to the winter landscape when many other plants have gone dormant.

Planting Your Skip Laurel for Success

Adding the Skip Laurel to your garden is a breeze. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure its thriving presence:

1. Choosing the Perfect Spot:

Light: The Skip Laurel flourishes in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended for optimal growth and to maintain the vibrant green color of the foliage.Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. While the Skip Laurel tolerates a range of soil pH levels (from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline), it struggles in soggy conditions. Amend clay soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage.Spacing: When planting multiple Skip Laurels, consider spacing them 4-6 feet apart to allow for proper growth at maturity.

2. Planting Process:

Timing: Early spring or fall is the ideal time for planting, allowing the Skip Laurel to establish its roots before extreme temperatures.Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball of your Skip Laurel and slightly deeper. This allows the roots ample space to spread.Root Ball Prep: Gently loosen the root ball with your fingers to encourage root expansion in the surrounding soil.Positioning: Carefully place the Skip Laurel in the hole, ensuring the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. This prevents the trunk from sinking after planting.Backfilling: Fill the hole with the excavated soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil excessively.Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

3. Post-Planting Care:

Watering: Water regularly during the first year, especially during dry periods. Once established, the Skip Laurel is quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering.Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the Skip Laurel, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.Pruning: Minimal pruning is required to maintain the desired shape. However, you can remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches throughout the year. Use sharp pruners and make clean cuts to encourage healthy growth.

Designing with the Skip Laurel's Compact Charm

The Skip Laurel's versatility allows it to shine in various landscaping scenarios. Here are some inspiring ideas to incorporate this charming evergreen into your garden:

Hedges and Screens: With its dense foliage and manageable size, the Skip Laurel is a popular choice for creating borders, hedges, and privacy screens.Foundation Plantings: Add a touch of year-round greenery and texture near your house foundation. The Skip Laurel's compact size ensures it won't grow to obscure windows or obstruct walkways.Container Plantings: This dwarf shrub thrives in containers, making it perfect for patios, balconies, or even sunny indoor spaces. Choose a container with proper drainage holes to prevent root rot.Rock Gardens: While Skip Laurels typically prefer well-draining soil, with some adjustments, they can be incorporated into rock gardens with success. Here's how:Drainage Pockets: Create pockets within the rock placement specifically for the Skip Laurel. Fill these pockets with a well-draining potting mix amended with sand or gravel to ensure proper drainage.Watering Considerations: Rock gardens tend to dry out faster than traditional garden beds. Be mindful of this and water your Skip Laurel in rock gardens more frequently, especially during hot and dry periods.Plant Selection: When incorporating the Skip Laurel into a rock garden, choose other plants that thrive in similar conditions, such as drought-tolerant succulents, ornamental grasses, or low-growing flowering perennials.

 

Addressing the Height Question: How Tall Does a Skip Laurel Get?

As mentioned earlier, the Skip Laurel is known for its compact stature. Here's a more detailed breakdown of its height:

Average Mature Height: A well-maintained Skip Laurel typically reaches a mature height of 6-10 feet.Factors Affecting Height: Several factors can influence the ultimate height of your Skip Laurel, including:Growing Conditions: Optimal sunlight (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil promote healthy growth, potentially leading to a slightly taller plant at maturity.Pruning: Regular pruning can control the height of your Skip Laurel. By strategically removing upward-growing branches, you can maintain a desired height that suits your landscaping needs.Variety: While uncommon, some variations of the Skip Laurel might exhibit a slightly faster growth rate or reach a touch taller than the typical 6-10 feet range.

Living with a Skip Laurel: Considerations for Long-Term Care

The Skip Laurel is a relatively low-maintenance shrub, but a few things to consider for long-term care include:

Potential for Suckering: Skip Laurels can occasionally produce suckers (shoots that grow from the roots). If this occurs, remove them promptly to prevent them from taking away energy from the main plant.Minor Pest and Disease Issues: While generally resistant to pests and diseases, Skip Laurels can be susceptible to issues like Aphids or fungal diseases under certain circumstances. Early detection and treatment with organic methods whenever possible is recommended.Lifespan: With proper care, Skip Laurels can live for several decades, adding beauty and structure to your landscape for years to come.

Conclusion: A Touch of Evergreen Elegance in a Compact Package

The Skip Laurel, with its manageable size, evergreen appeal, and ease of care, is a valuable addition to various gardens. Whether you seek a foundation planting, a hedge, or a touch of greenery in a container, the Skip Laurel offers a versatile and low-maintenance solution. By understanding its height limitations and basic care needs, you can ensure this charming shrub thrives in your landscape for years to come. So, embrace the compact beauty of the Skip Laurel and enjoy its presence throughout the seasons!