Schipka Cherry Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
30+ years
Native To
Southeastern Europe, Southwestern Asia
Toxicity
Leaves and seeds are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Prunus laurocerasus, or Cherry Laurel, is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves. It produces fragrant white flower spikes in spring followed by small, dark purple fruits. 'Schipkaensis', commonly called Skip Laurel, is one of the most cold-hardy cultivars. It has a more upright, vase-shaped habit when young, becoming wider with age, and is highly adaptable to sun or shade.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with well-drained soil; it tolerates sun or shade.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Gently tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.
Pro Tip
For the densest hedge, prune annually after flowering. Its tolerance for shade makes it an invaluable screening plant for difficult, low-light areas.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good drainage; it dislikes 'wet feet'.
- Water deeply during establishment and in periods of drought.
- Prune after flowering to maintain the desired size and shape.
- Plant in shade where other evergreens might struggle.
Don't
- Don't plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
- Avoid planting in extremely windy, exposed sites where winter burn can occur.
- Don't allow mulch to pile up against the stems.
- Be aware that leaves and seeds contain cyanide and are toxic if eaten.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Schipka Cherry Laurel questions
What zones can Schipka Cherry Laurel grow in?
Schipka Cherry 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.
Is Schipka Cherry Laurel deer resistant?
Yes — Schipka Cherry Laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Schipka Cherry Laurel bloom?
Schipka Cherry Laurel typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Schipka Cherry Laurel need full sun?
Schipka Cherry Laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Schipka Cherry Laurel drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Schipka Cherry Laurel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Prunus to compare
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Sugar Plum
Prunus domestica 'Sugar Plum'
Japanese Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata
Feiching Tao White Peach
Prunus persica 'Feiching Tao White'
Sweet Cherry
Prunus avium 'Mix'
Hale Haven Peach
Prunus persica 'Hale Haven'
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Grow Schipka Cherry Laurel with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
