Schip laurel is a popular hedge choice for its narrow growth habit and evergreen foliage. The leaves are much darker green than English laurel, although they are the same species. Schip laurel is the most shade-tolerant of the cherry-laurel types and can tolerate cold better as well. It is deer-resistant and has lovely white flowers in spring that are followed with bird-friendly fruits later in the summer.
Schip laurel is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established. It does well in coastal climates and is not bothered by salt or pollution. Schip laurel has long, narrow, dark green leaves that form a beautiful screen. In spring, it blooms with fragrant white flower spikes that are attractive to pollinator bees. Later in the summer, small black fruits develop that birds eat but are toxic to mammals. It grows 1-2’ per year in ideal conditions, and grows primarily upright. Pruning once per year is plenty to maintain its shape and size. You could easily have a Schip laurel hedge anywhere from 6-12’ tall and 2-4’ wide over the long term with regular pruning.
Zone: 6-9
Mature Height: 10 ft
Mature Spread: 4 ft
Landscape Characteristics
Classification by Use
Habit
Foliage
