Skip Laurel
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1-2 ft/year)
- Part Shade to Full Sun
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Georgia grown & ready to plant
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About Skip Laurel
Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis') is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage and reliable performance in the part shade found under mature Georgia oaks and pines, where sun-hungry conifers like arborvitae struggle. It grows to 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide at a moderate pace, forming a lush, formal screen that responds well to shearing if a tighter hedge is desired. Skip Laurel is more shade tolerant than Nellie R. Stevens Holly or Leyland Cypress, making it the preferred screening choice for shaded Lawrenceville lots and wooded subdivisions where the property line sits beneath a tree canopy. Fragrant white flower spikes appear in spring, followed by small dark berries. It is not deer resistant and can suffer leaf spot disease in poorly drained, overly wet clay, so a well-drained planting site is important. Skip Laurel also tolerates urban pollution and compacted soil reasonably well, making it a good fit for tighter residential lots.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 10-15 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 6-10 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Part Shade to Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate — weekly until established |
| Bloom Season | Spring (small white flower spikes) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1-2 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Skip Laurel prefers part shade to filtered sun and well-drained soil; in Gwinnett clay, improve drainage by planting high and mulching rather than digging low. Space plants 5-6 feet apart for a solid screen. Water consistently the first year, especially during summer dry spells, and avoid overhead watering late in the day, which promotes shot-hole and leaf spot fungal issues common on cherry laurels in humid Georgia summers.
Fast Facts
- Mature height: 10-15 ft, width 6-10 ft
- More shade tolerant than most screening conifers
- Moderate growth: 1-2 ft per year
- Glossy dark green evergreen foliage, fragrant spring flowers
- Not deer resistant; foliage and seeds are toxic to pets
- Prone to leaf spot in poorly drained, overly wet soil
Pairs Well With
Skip Laurel FAQs
Will Skip Laurel grow in shade?
Yes, Skip Laurel tolerates part shade better than most screening evergreens, making it a top choice for privacy under mature tree canopy in wooded Georgia lots. It still flowers and fills in well with only 4-6 hours of filtered or morning sun per day.
How far apart should Skip Laurel be planted for a hedge?
Space Skip Laurel 5 to 6 feet apart on center to form a solid, continuous hedge within a few growing seasons. Tighter spacing of 4 feet fills in faster but increases humidity between plants, raising the risk of leaf spot disease in Georgia's summers.
Is Skip Laurel toxic to dogs?
Yes, Skip Laurel contains cyanogenic compounds in its leaves and seeds that are toxic to dogs and cats if chewed or ingested in quantity. Keep pets from chewing on fallen leaves or berries, and consult a vet promptly if ingestion is suspected.