Species

Prunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

13 other cultivars

shrub

Zabel's Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel, is a dense broadleaf evergreen shrub native from southeastern Europe to southwestern Asia. The species features lustrous, leathery dark green leaves and produces erect racemes of fragrant white flowers followed by small black drupes.

'Zabeliana' is distinguished by its low-growing, wide-spreading habit and narrow, willow-like foliage that emerges in vibrant light green. The branches angle upward and outward from the base, making it highly effective as a broad ground cover or low, horizontal screen.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a dense, lustrous green canopy year-round with fragrant spring flowers and a unique horizontal branching habit.

Functions as an effective, low-maintenance ground cover or low screen that tolerates heavy shade and variable soil pH.

Provides valuable larval food for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and nutritious winter berries for songbirds.

SpeciesPrunus laurocerasusCherry Laurel

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

94"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern Europe to southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans and animals

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in well-drained loam or clay soil enriched with organic matter, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Position in full sun to partial shade, providing afternoon shade in hotter southern zones to prevent foliage scorch.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then maintain even moisture without waterlogging.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring only if growth appears sluggish.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering finishes; cutting back into old, leafless wood fails to shoot back reliably and ruins the natural arching habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering to maintain the low, spreading architecture.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot diseases.
Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid potential contact dermatitis from the sap.

Don't

Do not cut back severely into old, leafless wood, as it will not regenerate reliably.
Do not plant in low-lying, poorly drained areas where water collects.
Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate weak, disease-susceptible growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low hedge or screenWide groundcoverFoundation plantingUnderstory planting under tall trees

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Taxus baccata 'Repens'Rhododendron species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Zabel's Cherry Laurel questions

What zones can Zabel's Cherry Laurel grow in?

Zabel's Cherry Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Zabel's Cherry Laurel deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Zabel's Cherry Laurel, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Zabel's Cherry Laurel bloom?

Zabel's Cherry Laurel typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Zabel's Cherry Laurel need full sun?

Zabel's Cherry Laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Zabel's Cherry Laurel drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Zabel's Cherry Laurel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.