Schipka laurel - distance from flowering cherry trees - Ask Extension
I planted a hedge of Schipka laurel in the spring of 2018. They were lush and healthy but did not overwinter well and seem to have shot hole disease, ...
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Schipka laurel - distance from flowering cherry trees #551571
Asked April 07, 2019, 2:23 PM EDT
I planted a hedge of Schipka laurel in the spring of 2018. They were lush and healthy but did not overwinter well and seem to have shot hole disease, likely from the wet summer of 2018. (1) Should I cut them to the ground or leave them alone? (2) For future disease management, should I relocate the entire hedge elsewhere since the closest flowering cherry tree is 15 feet away? (3) Are laurels suited for the hot humid summers of the mid-Atlantic or should I replace them if they are prone to disease. (4) What are some recommended deer-resistant evergreen shrubs that can tolerate the humidity?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
We recommend just leaving them alone for right now. They are getting new buds and they will push out new foliage soon. If you are not happy with the look after the new growth emerges, you can prune them selectively. In addition to cherry shot hole disease, these are prone to winter damage and they don't like areas with poor drainage. They can tolerate full sun to part shade but tend to do better in partial to heavy shade. Take a look at the following article for more information. https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2019/01/07/qa-whats-wrong-with-my-cherry-laurel-shrubs/
Hollies such as American holly (Ilex opaca) and inkberry (Ilex glaba) are native evergreens that are deer resistant if you are looking for other options. These are adapted to Maryland Piedmont conditions whereas Prunus lauroceasus is native to Europe and Asia.
Christa
Hollies such as American holly (Ilex opaca) and inkberry (Ilex glaba) are native evergreens that are deer resistant if you are looking for other options. These are adapted to Maryland Piedmont conditions whereas Prunus lauroceasus is native to Europe and Asia.
Christa
