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Skip Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'

The Versatile Classic: Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis' (Skip Laurel)


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Skip Laurel, Schipka Laurel

  • Scientific Name: Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'

  • Origin: Native to the Schipka Pass in Bulgaria (hence the name!)

  • Hardiness: Zones 6 – 9 (Very reliable across NJ).

  • The "Vibe": Polished, dense, and stately; the "black-tie" version of a privacy hedge.

Why It’s a Jersey Essential

  • The Shade Survivor: Most evergreens (like Junipers or Arborvitae) get thin and "leggy" in the shade. The Skip Laurel is one of the few that stays dense and vibrant even in heavy shade.

  • Glossy Elegance: The leaves are long, narrow, and a deep, lustrous green. They look like they’ve been hand-polished, reflecting light into the darker corners of your yard.

  • White Candle Blooms: In late spring, the Skip Laurel produces upright racemes (spikes) of tiny, fragrant white flowers. They look like little candles standing on the branches and are a favorite for local pollinators.

  • Compact Narrowness: Unlike the 'Otto Luyken' variety which grows wide and low, the 'Schip' variety is naturally more upright and narrow, making it the perfect choice for tight property lines.

Stories from the Garden

"We had a narrow alleyway between our house and the neighbor's that stayed in the shade all day. Nothing would grow there until we planted Skip Laurels. In three years, they’ve filled in to create a solid green wall that gives us total privacy in our dining room. They look expensive, they stay green all winter, and the white flowers in the spring are a lovely bonus. They are the 'little black dress' of our garden."

— Sarah P., Zone 6 Gardener (Summit, NJ)


Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The "Property Line" Screen: Space them 3 to 4 feet apart for a seamless, narrow hedge that doesn't eat up your whole lawn.

  • The Foundation Anchor: Use them to hide unsightly foundation walls or utilities. Their deep green color makes colorful perennials (like Peonies or Lilies) in front of them look spectacular.

  • The Understory Filler: Plant them beneath high-canopy trees like Oaks or Maples to create a lush, evergreen mid-layer.

Designer Pro-Tip: Skip Laurels are much more "deer-avoidant" than the common English Laurel, but in a very hungry NJ winter, deer might still take a nibble. If you have high deer pressure, a light application of repellent in late fall usually keeps them safe. Also, avoid pruning them into "flat tops" with electric shears if you can—hand-pruning preserves the beautiful leaf shape!


Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

  • Pollinator Spikes: The fragrant white flowers are a magnet for Honeybees and Native Bees in May.

  • Bird Berries: After flowering, they produce small, cherry-like black fruits. While toxic to humans, they are a high-energy snack for Robins and Cedar Waxwings.

  • Nesting Shelter: The dense, leathery foliage is a "fortress" for small songbirds seeking protection from hawks and cats.

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