Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana', Zabel laurel
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'

Zabel laurel

Rosaceae

Cultivar of garden origin (species from southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Width8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

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

Distinguished from the species type and other cultivars by the combination of horizontal, arching branch habit and narrower leaves. Leaves are 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long but only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, noticeably narrower than the species type (1.5-2.5 inches wide) and creating a more refined, willow-like texture. Distinguished from 'Mt. Vernon' by the taller stature (3-5 feet vs. 1.5-2.5 feet), wider spread (8-12 feet vs. 4-6 feet), and narrower leaves. The layered horizontal branching pattern is the primary habit identifier.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
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

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans
Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana' (Zabel laurel) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef