1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 8 to 15 feet
Width: 8 to 12 feet
Flower color: Small white fragrant flowers borne in upright narrow clusters
Foliage color: Glossy dark green leaves heavily marbled with creamy white variegation
Bloom time: Mid spring; often April to May
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average evenly moist soil
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to maintain size and shape and tolerate regular clipping for hedging
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies and birds that feed on the red to black berries

Shrubs

Prunus laurocerasus 'Marbled White'

Marbled White Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Marbled White' produces upright clusters of small white flowers in mid spring, the blooms opening along short racemes and releasing a light fragrance. The blossoms are followed by small dark berries that mature later in the season. Broad, glossy leaves cover the stems, each leaf marbled with irregular splashes of creamy white across deep green surfaces, creating a bold, patterned canopy that remains colorful throughout the year.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average evenly moist soil

Bloom time

Mid spring; often April to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Foundation Plantings
Bird Gardens

Companion plants

Peony · Indian hawthorn · Rock Cress · Feather reed grass · Dianthus · Glossy abelia

Design tip

The bold cream-and-green leaves of ‘Marbled White’ can brighten a large stretch of evergreen foliage and keep it interesting all year. White spring flowers add another layer of brightness, followed by dark berries that create a noticeable contrast against the variegated leaves.