Schipka Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'

Cherry laurel 'Schipkaensis' is an upright broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is goblet-shaped and grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide, maintaining its proportions of being roughly twice as tall as it is wide. This cultivar is named for a location ("-ensis" is a suffix added to a place, meaning "from" that place), the Schipka pass in the mountains separating India from Nepal. In the nursery trade, it is often observed as 'Skipensis' and pronounced as Skip Cherry Laurel.

This plant grows in full sun to partial shade and in a wide range of soil types, although it prefers alkaline soils and will need to be watered regularly, especially in hot summers. It is also tolerant of pollution and heavy pruning, moderately tolerant to salt, but intolerant of heavy fertilization. It has a rapid growth rate with competitive roots.

The dense canopy of this shrub provides cover and nesting sites for songbirds. Locate it in a woodland or cottage garden. It would make an excellent specimen. Alternatively, plant it in small groups or even in a mass for screening or as a privacy hedge. The growth tends to be toward the top of this vase-shaped shrub so planting it at the back of a border with other smaller evergreen shrubs in front of it will help mask the more open bottom branches if a thick screen is required.

Quick ID Hints:

• Two glands present at leaf base below next to midrib
• Leaves narrowly lanceolate, entire, serrate at apex 
• Evergreen shrub, broad and vase- or goblet-shaped to 15 feet

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

More information on Prunus laurocerasus.