How to Plant Skip Laurel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Skip laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a beautiful evergreen shrub that is perfect for adding year-round interest to your landscape. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about planting skip laurel, including:

• When and where to plant skip laurel
• How to prepare the soil
• How to plant the shrub
• How to care for skip laurel

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of skip laurel in your own garden for years to come.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Choose a planting site that gets full sun or partial shade. Skip laurel does best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
2	Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the skip laurel.
3	Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down firmly as you go.
4	Water the skip laurel thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

How to Plant Skip Laurel

Skip laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to southern Europe and western Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its glossy green leaves, fragrant flowers, and dark purple berries. Skip laurel is easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Choosing the Right Location

The most important factor to consider when planting skip laurel is the location. Skip laurel prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Skip laurel is not drought tolerant, so it is important to water it regularly during dry periods.

Skip laurel can be planted in a variety of locations, including gardens, borders, and hedges. It can also be grown in containers. When planting skip laurel, it is important to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. The hole should be deep enough so that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Once the hole is dug, fill it with a mixture of soil and compost. Gently place the root ball in the hole and spread the roots out. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it down around the plant. Water the plant thoroughly.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting skip laurel, it is important to prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. If the soil is not well-drained, add some sand or gravel to improve drainage. If the soil is lacking in organic matter, add some compost or manure.

To prepare the soil, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. The hole should be deep enough so that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost. Gently place the root ball in the hole and spread the roots out. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it down around the plant. Water the plant thoroughly.

Planting Skip Laurel

Skip laurel can be planted in a variety of ways, including:

• Bare-root: Skip laurel can be planted bare-root in the spring or fall. To plant a bare-root skip laurel, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. The hole should be deep enough so that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost. Gently place the root ball in the hole and spread the roots out. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it down around the plant. Water the plant thoroughly.
• Container: Skip laurel can also be planted in containers. To plant a skip laurel in a container, choose a container that is at least twice the size of the root ball. Fill the container with a mixture of soil and compost. Gently place the root ball in the container and spread the roots out. Backfill the container with soil and firm it down around the plant. Water the plant thoroughly.

Caring for Skip Laurel

Skip laurel is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. The following are some tips for caring for skip laurel:

• Water: Skip laurel needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
• Fertilizer: Skip laurel does not require much fertilizer. A light application of fertilizer in the spring and fall will help the plant to grow and produce flowers.
• Pruning: Skip laurel can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in the spring or fall, before the new growth starts.
• Pests and diseases: Skip laurel is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. If you notice any pests or diseases on your skip laurel, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.

Skip laurel is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to grow and care for. It can be used in a variety of landscapes, including gardens, borders, and hedges. With proper care, skip laurel will provide you with years of enjoyment.

3. Planting the Skip Laurel

Planting depth

The skip laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its glossy green leaves and fragrant flowers. The skip laurel can be grown in a variety of soil conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil. The ideal planting depth for the skip laurel is 12 inches.

Watering the plant

The skip laurel is a drought-tolerant plant, but it will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. The skip laurel should not be allowed to dry out completely, as this can damage the roots and cause the leaves to wilt.

Mulching the plant

Mulching the skip laurel can help to conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, and improve the soil structure. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant is ideal. The mulch should be made of organic materials such as compost, bark mulch, or shredded leaves.

4. Caring for the Skip Laurel

Watering

The skip laurel is a drought-tolerant plant, but it will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. The skip laurel should not be allowed to dry out completely, as this can damage the roots and cause the leaves to wilt.

Fertilizing

The skip laurel does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring and fall. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be used at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. The skip laurel should not be fertilized more than twice a year, as too much fertilizer can damage the roots.

Pruning

The skip laurel can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or size. Pruning can also be used to remove dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune the skip laurel is in the spring, before the new growth begins. Pruning shears or a sharp knife can be used to cut branches back to the desired length.

Pest control

The skip laurel is not susceptible to many pests, but it can be affected by aphids, scale, and mites. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Scale can be controlled with a systemic insecticide. Mites can be controlled with a miticide.

The skip laurel is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of landscapes. The plant is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. With proper care, the skip laurel can provide years of enjoyment.

How deep should I plant skip laurel?

Skip laurel should be planted so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

How far apart should I plant skip laurel?

Skip laurel should be planted 3-4 feet apart.

What kind of soil does skip laurel need?

Skip laurel grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

When is the best time to plant skip laurel?

Skip laurel can be planted in spring or fall.

How much water does skip laurel need?

Skip laurel needs regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Once established, skip laurel can tolerate some drought.

What kind of fertilizer does skip laurel need?

Skip laurel does not require much fertilizer. A light application of compost or slow-release fertilizer in spring is all that is needed.

How do I prune skip laurel?

Skip laurel can be pruned in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also shape the plant by pruning back branches as needed.

What pests and diseases are common to skip laurel?

Skip laurel is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, treat them with the appropriate insecticide or fungicide.

How can I propagate skip laurel?

Skip laurel can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late summer or early fall.

Is skip laurel deer resistant?

Skip laurel is deer resistant.

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In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed everything you need to know about planting skip laurel. We covered the ideal planting conditions, how to prepare the soil, how to plant the seedlings, and how to care for your skip laurel trees.

We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you are now confident in your ability to plant and care for skip laurel trees. These beautiful trees can add a touch of elegance to any landscape, and they are relatively easy to grow. So what are you waiting for? Get started planting today!

Key Takeaways:

• Skip laurel trees are hardy, evergreen trees that can grow in a variety of climates.
• They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• The ideal soil for skip laurel trees is well-drained and slightly acidic.
• Plant skip laurel seedlings in the spring or fall.
• Water your skip laurel trees regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize your skip laurel trees once a year in the spring.
• Prune your skip laurel trees as needed to maintain their shape.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow skip laurel trees in your landscape for years to come.