The Schip Laurel: A Guide to Planting, Pruning, and Perfect Placement

 Schip Laurel

The Schip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'), also known as the Skip Laurel, is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and dense growth habit. It's a versatile plant, ideal for creating privacy hedges, borders, or adding a touch of evergreen elegance to your landscape. But before you rush out and plant a row of Schip Laurels, there are some key things to consider, from spacing to sunlight needs.

Finding the Perfect Distance: How Far Apart to Plant Schip Laurels

The spacing of your Schip Laurels depends largely on your desired outcome. Here's a breakdown to help you plan:

• For a Tight, Formal Hedge: Plant your Schip Laurels 2-3 feet apart. This close spacing will encourage the plants to quickly fill in and create a solid, dense hedge.
• For a More Informal Look: Space your Schip Laurels 4-5 feet apart. This will allow the plants to mature with more individual character, while still forming a cohesive barrier.
• For Freestanding Shrubs: Plant your Schip Laurels 6-10 feet apart. This spacing allows them to develop into full, standalone shrubs.

Remember: Consider the mature size of Schip Laurels, which can reach 8-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Don't crowd them – proper spacing ensures healthy growth and allows for easy maintenance.

Shaping Your Schip Laurel: A Step-by-Step Pruning Guide

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the desired shape and size of your Schip Laurel. Here's how to prune effectively:

1. Timing is Key: Prune your Schip Laurels in late spring or early summer, just after the new growth has matured. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter, as this can stress the plant during colder months.
2. Gather Your Tools: You'll need sharp pruning shears or loppers, depending on the branch thickness. Ensure your tools are sterilized to prevent the spread of disease.
3. Start with Shaping: For hedges, use a straight hedge trimmer to achieve a clean, even form. For individual shrubs, use your shears to remove any dead, diseased, or inward-growing branches.
4. Encourage Bushiness: To promote bushier growth, prune back the topmost branches by about one-third of their length. This will stimulate new growth at the base.
5. Maintain Size: Regularly trim your Schip Laurels to keep them at the desired height and width. Don't remove more than one-third of the total growth at any given time.

Pro Tip: Always prune with a slight upward angle to encourage water drainage away from the stem.

Selecting the Perfect Partners: Companion Plants for Schip Laurels

Schip Laurels can be excellent companions to other shade-tolerant plants. Here are some ideas:

• For a Colorful Contrast: Plant perennials like hostas, ferns, or coral bells with variegated foliage for a pop of color beneath your Schip Laurel hedge.
• For Added Fragrance: Consider underplanting with fragrant spring bulbs like daffodils or hyacinths, or flowering shrubs like viburnums.
• For Textural Interest: Use ornamental grasses like maidenhair grass or blue fescue to add a touch of movement and texture alongside your Schip Laurels.

Remember: Choose companion plants with similar light and moisture needs to ensure a thriving landscape.

Can Schip Laurels Live Indoors?

While Schip Laurels are generally considered outdoor plants, they can be grown in containers indoors for a short period, provided they receive enough bright, indirect sunlight. However, long-term indoor living isn't ideal for them. They thrive on cooler temperatures and struggle with dry indoor air.

Sunlight Needs:

Schip Laurels are considered shade-tolerant plants, but they perform best in locations with partial shade. They can tolerate full sun, but the leaves may scorch in hot climates without some afternoon shade. Aim for 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Remember: 

Proper light conditions are crucial for healthy Schip Laurels. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth, while too little sunlight can cause yellowing leaves.

Conclusion:

With its beautiful foliage and ease of care, the Schip Laurel is a valuable addition to any landscape. By following these tips on spacing, pruning, companion planting, and sunlight needs, you can ensure your Schip Laurels thrive for years to come. So, get planning, plant smart, and enjoy the lush greenery these versatile shrubs offer!