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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Creamy white
Foliage color: Narrow, lustrous dark green leaves
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low, tolerates pruning for shaping
Growing zone: USDA Zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Provides food and shelter for birds with its small black fruits and dense growth habit

Shrubs

Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana'

Zabel's Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus 'Zabeliana', commonly known as Zabel's cherry laurel, is a low-growing, horizontally spreading cultivar valued for its narrow, glossy leaves and tolerance for shaded conditions. This evergreen shrub blooms in spring, producing small white flowers in upright clusters, followed by black berries in summer, which may attract birds. Its horizontal growth habit makes it ideal for ground cover on slopes, along shaded walls, or as part of a low-maintenance garden design.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Slopes & Banks
Borders
Bird Gardens

Companion plants

Pieris · Japanese forest grass · Brunnera · Viburnum · Trillium · Lungwort

Design tip

‘Zabeliana’ is especially useful where you want evergreen coverage without a stiff, formal look. Its long, spreading branches and narrow glossy leaves create a relaxed layer of greenery, while white spring flowers and dark summer berries add seasonal interest.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)