Skip Cherry Laurel, Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’

Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh

5 years ago

Anyone ever grow it in DENSE shade with no dappled sun?

If so how well did it do?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
Species cherry or English laurel, Prunus laurocerasus, grows in heavily wooded areas here in quite dense shade (thanks to birds spreading this borderline invasive shrub) so I see no reason why any cultivar would not do the same. Plants located in denser shade tend to be leggy and bit lanky, lacking the foliage density of their full sun cousins but they survive remarkably well.
Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years ago
lack of sun.. rarely kills anything ...

but it can significantly affect vigor ... as noted.. it will grow slower ... less dense ... and probably taller or leaning.. in an attempt to reach out toward more light ...

with trees and shrubs.. we talk about tree/shrub time ... being counted in 5 or 10 year segments ... so if you put a full sun plant. in shade.. you can expect to double that to 10 to 20 years segments ... [just using the numbers to make a point...]

in other words.. if you are doing it in hopes of a sight block ... it might take a lot longer than you hope ...

the other problem in deep shade.. is drought.. as the large trees out compete new babes for water .. and perhaps a dense canopy above doenst let a lot of rain in.. etc ... there are other variables in this situation.. than just the light issue ... those can be overcome i tree time.. but they may need a longer period of tlc to get them fully established.. to compete on their own ... you may have to water them more than the usual year or two .... until they can grow the roots.. to become self sufficient ....

ken
Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Related Discussions
Prunus laurocerasus dying
Q
Comments (1)
Probably a water mold such as Phytophthora. Would take testing such as that which may be offered through your state Extension office to identify the specific agent(s) involved. Sampling and testing of declining native maple trees at the local arboretum found several pathogenic genera present. Possibly you have more than one at work there as well.
...See More
Need Help for Skip Laurels
Q
Comments (3)
same thing has happened to mine and to most of the skip laurels in the neighborhood, except those that were planted very close to the house and thus protected from the worst weather. hope someone else chimes in here, but i assume it's winter burn and that the new leaves will grow out vigorously enough so that it will compensate for the burned leaves. i heard that spraying in the fall (once temps hit 40s consistently) with wilt-pruf will prevent the leaves from getting as much winter damage. Here is a link that might be useful: wilt-pruf
...See More
Cherry Laurel
Q
Comments (67)
Larry - BLE is Broad Leaved Evergreen. In the States the word 'evergreen' appears to be generally used for conifers so they distinguish between them and other evergreens. This is partly, I imagine, because in many areas BLEs are not very common being generally less hardy than conifers. I had to learn this term on these forums since it isn't really used much over here. There are so many BLEs here and they are so much more popular in gardens than conifers, that 'evergreen' covers them.
...See More
skip laurel care
Q
Comments (10)
I live in a wooded area of southeastern PA and it is well known to all landscapers. Garden nurseries such as Snipes in PA, or in NJ Vincentown Nursery that sell the varieties of laurel (though most prefer the easier Schipkaensis laurels, that annual fertilizing of the shrubs is recommended in Spring to maintain as well as to promote good foliage and growth. Winters here are not exactly a predictable trend, and even this past season, the leaves in some of the middle sections have turned brownish or yellow. The plants are not completely deer-proof even after they get dense and quite tall. So my posting is based on my own experience as well as those professionals whom I have been in contact with. The soil can be whatever it is but laurels are an acidic fertilizer loving plant like a blueberry, azalea, or rhododendron, and most evergreens as the Holly. So I hold to my comment about fertilizers and schedule. Not many ever commented on their care in the past on the web. Others had similar problems with the laurels dating back to 2006, and not one comment appeared until 2012. So thanks for the reply and concerns. If yours are doing good then good for you. Mine are quite dense, lush and full bearing with flowers, berries, and new leaf growth. Of course every Spring, there is always a very small amount of spent leaves.
...See More
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years ago
btw .. that is all general rules in heavy shade ... maybe its different for the specific plant you ask about.. but i doubt it ...

and ... it might depend on the trees in the forest ... some are much more aggressive competitors.. than others ...

finally ... random bird sown plants... grow up in the situation ... and can survive ... but taking a nursery grown sun plant.. and transplanting it in your situation ... will be stressful on many levels ...

ken
Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh
Original Author
4 years ago
I am always so impressed with the very knowledgable gardeners on Houzz Garden Forum. Thanks for great info gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) and ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5. Much appreciated!- Sue

Related Stories

PLANTING IDEAS Hedgers and Edgers: The 10 Best Shrubs for Structure

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Find out about top picks for privacy screens, formal hedges and low-growing borders

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Stylish Front Yard Ideas for Homes on Busy Streets

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Create privacy and cut down on traffic noise while maintaining curb appeal

Full Story

INSPIRING GARDENS 5 Gardens to Inspire Your Outdoor Rooms

By Annie Thornton

Get a peek at some exceptional Silicon Valley gardens and borrow ideas for your own landscape

Full Story

PLANTING IDEAS How to Make Your Driveway Part of Your Garden

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Spruce up the borders along your drive to create a welcoming arrival to your home

Full Story

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES California Gardener’s January Checklist

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Here’s what to prune and plant now to spruce up the winter landscape and jump-start your garden for the year

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Evergreens for Beautiful Foliage All Year

By Kim Gamel

Give your landscape consistent color and structure with the emeralds, chartreuses and blues of evergreen trees and shrubs

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 12 Stylish Screens for Hot Tubs, Pools and Outdoor Showers

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Check out these solutions for boosting privacy without compromising style

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Take Care of Your Hedges With These Pruning Pointers

By Claudia De Yong Garden Design

Hedging plants are often called the garden’s architecture. Here’s how to keep different kinds healthy and attractive

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape

Full Story

CURB APPEAL Entry Recipe: Contemporary Farmhouse Style in a Suburban Setting

By Annie Thornton

This new build sets a neighborly tone with a front-yard patio and an exterior created in scale with other houses on the street

Full Story

Skip Cherry Laurel, Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’

Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Related Discussions

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Skip Cherry Laurel, Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’

Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Related Discussions

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

Sue Hughes Zone 6b in PittsburghOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Sue Hughes Zone 6b in Pittsburgh
Original Author