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Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'
Zabel laurel
Cultivar of garden origin (species from southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia)Learn more
Overview
A low-growing, wide-spreading broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 m) wide, with gracefully arching, layered horizontal branches. Growth rate is moderate, adding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. This cultivar is selected for its distinctly horizontal, spreading growth habit — wider than tall — and its narrower leaves, which give it a finer texture than the species type. Leaves are alternate, narrowly elliptical to lance-shaped, 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long and approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, glossy dark green, leathery, with finely serrated margins. The narrower leaf shape creates a more refined, willow-like appearance compared to the broad-leaved species type. Branches arch horizontally, creating a layered effect. Flowers appear in April to May in erect racemes 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, white, fragrant. Fruit is a small black drupe produced moderately. Like the species, all parts contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. Less likely to produce the overwhelming vertical size of the species, but still produces fruit that can be bird-dispersed. Hardy to approximately -10 to 0°F (-23 to -18°C) — one of the more cold-hardy cultivars.
Native Range
Cultivar of garden origin; the species Prunus laurocerasus is native to southeastern Europe (Balkans) and southwestern Asia (Turkey, Caucasus, Iran).Suggested Uses
Commonly planted as a wide groundcover or bank cover at 5-6 foot (1.5-1.8 m) spacing, where the horizontal branching habit covers slopes effectively. Suitable for low hedging, wide foundation plantings, and as an understory shrub beneath trees. The layered horizontal form provides a different architectural quality from upright hedging plants. More cold-hardy than many cultivars, extending use into zone 5. Tolerates heavy shade and urban conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Flower Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from April to May in USDA zones 5-9. Erect racemes 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long bear white, fragrant flowers. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Black drupes ripen in late summer, produced moderately.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to full shade in well-drained soil. Adapts to a wide range of soil types and pH from 5.0 to 8.0. Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought. One of the more cold-hardy cultivars, tolerating temperatures to -10°F (-23°C). Shot-hole disease may occur. Less invasive than the species type due to the spreading habit, but fruiting still occurs and bird-dispersed seedlings may appear. Remove fruit clusters before ripening to reduce spread.Pruning
Prune in late spring after flowering to shape and control width. The naturally horizontal, arching form is the cultivar's primary ornamental feature; avoid pruning into an upright shape. Use hand pruners to preserve the layered branching pattern. Light shearing is tolerated for more formal plantings. Remove any strongly upright-growing branches that disrupt the horizontal form. Hard rejuvenation pruning is tolerated but rarely needed.Pruning Schedule
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late spring