Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'
cherry laurel 'Zabeliana'
A low, spreading evergreen shrub to a height of 1m, with narrow dark green glossy leaves. Upright sprays of white flowers are produced in spring and sometimes again in autumn, followed by red fruit that turns black as it matures
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | Black | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Seed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade, excellent for hedging but may become chlorotic in shallow chalk soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8, prune evergreen hedges in late spring or early summer
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and leaf mining moths
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and laurel leaf diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.