Skip laurels are evergreen shrubs that make wonderfully attractive privacy hedges due to their glossy green leaves and dense foliage that block unwanted views. Skip laurels are moderate growers and can reach heights up to 18 feet, making them excellent choices for tall hedges. In addition, these low-maintenance shrubs are pretty versatile and can be used in various landscape settings.
Before planting, it’s essential to consider how far apart to plant skip laurels. Planting them too close together will produce thin, spindly shrubs susceptible to drought and wind damage. Too far apart, you’ll have unattractive gaps in your hedge. Proper spacing ensures they have room to grow and fill in, creating a lush, full barrier.
How Far Apart To Plant Skip Laurels
Skip laurels average around 5 to 7 feet wide, so it’s recommended they be planted anywhere from 2 to 4 feet apart, depending on the desired look of the hedge. If you want a dense, quick-forming hedge, plant them closer together. They can easily be thinned later. Or, space them further apart for a looser, more open look. Some people even use them as standalone shrubs and plant them up to 10 feet apart.
Ultimately, how far apart you plant skip laurels depends on personal preference and how you want your hedge to look. Just be sure to give them at least 2 feet, so they have room to grow into healthy, lush plants. That way, you’ll have a beautiful privacy screen that will thrive for years to come.
Planting Skip Laurels
When it comes time to plant, skip laurels should be buried in a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball. These shrubs love well-drained soil, so if your soil is compacted or clay-like, mix in some organic compost or peat moss to loosen it up and improve drainage.
Once you’ve prepared the hole, place the plant inside the hole, and fill it back in with soil. Aim to keep the roots 1 to 2 inches beneath the soil surface. Gently pack the soil down around the base of the plant to prevent tilting, then water deeply to settle the roots.
FAQs
Members of the laurel family are well-loved because of how adaptable and easy to grow they are. However, you may have some questions before planting your skip laurels. So here’s a quick rundown of the basics of growing these attractive shrubs.
How Fast Do Skip Laurels Grow?
Skip laurels are moderate growers that average 2 feet a year in optimal growing conditions.
What is the Best Time To Plant Skip Laurels?
For skip laurels in containers, they can be planted anytime, but remember that laurels planted from March to October require more frequent waterings, as this is their peak growing season. On the other hand, root-balled laurels do better when planted from November to March.
Do Skip Laurels Need To Be Pruned?
No, skip laurels do not require regular pruning unless you want to shape them or keep them smaller. However, if you choose to prune them, it’s best to do so in the spring or early summer.
Do Skip Laurels Need a Lot of Water?
Skip laurels are pretty drought-tolerant once they’re established. However, they will need daily watering when first planted to help them to get going. Once established, they do well with weekly waterings.
Do Skip Laurels Need Full Sun?
Skip laurels are versatile shrubs that can tolerate a range of sunlight, from full sun to partial shade. Still, they do best in partial sun or partial shade.
Conclusion
Skip laurels are an excellent choice for hedges because of their dense, evergreen growth habit. They’re also low-maintenance and quite versatile, making them a fantastic option for different landscape settings. When planting, space them 2 to 4 feet apart, so they have room to grow. Then, with proper care, your skip laurel hedge will thrive.
If you’re growing a hedge in a warmer climate such as California there are many other hedge plants to choose from.