Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

13 other cultivars

shrub

Skip Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'West Coast Skip'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus, the English laurel, is a dense broadleaf evergreen shrub native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. The species produces glossy, dark green leaves and upright racemes of fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by small black drupes.

'West Coast Skip' is a compact, upright selection widely utilized in North American nurseries for its narrow, vase-shaped growth habit. It matures to a height of ten to fifteen feet with a spread of five to eight feet, making it highly effective for tight privacy screens and hedges.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, glossy, dark green backdrop year-round, accented by fragrant white flower spikes in spring.

Functions as an excellent windbreak and sound barrier due to its dense, upright, evergreen growth habit.

Provides nesting sites and dense winter cover for songbirds, which also consume the dark summer drupes.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Tolerates urban pollution and moderate coastal salt

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern Europe, southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the soil line matches the container level, and backfill with native soil.
Water thoroughly and apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the spring bloom to shape hedges; cutting back severely into old, leafless interior wood results in slow and patchy regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage deep root growth.
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain a clean, dense hedge shape.
Clear away fallen leaf debris to minimize the spread of fungal spores.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged, as poor drainage causes root rot.
Avoid overhead watering, which creates humid conditions favorable to foliage diseases.
Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate soft growth vulnerable to pests.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenFormal HedgeWindbreakFoundation PlantingUnderstory Planting

Companion Plants

Heuchera Sarcococca Polystichum Hydrangea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Skip Laurel questions

What zones can Skip Laurel grow in?

Skip Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Skip Laurel bloom?

Skip Laurel typically blooms in spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Skip Laurel need full sun?

Skip Laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Skip Laurel drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Skip Laurel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.