zabeliana has narrow, dark green, willow-like leaves, is similar to ‘Shipkaensis’, and is very free flowering. It reaches 3 to 5 feet in height with a 12-foot spread. Occasionally spreads to 25 feet. Can be used as a deep shade ground cover. Prunus laurocerasus is a large, spreading evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark green leaves and a hardy constitution. The leaves are evergreen, simple, alternate, and 2 to 6 inches long. The green-to-brown stems emit the typical cherry odor when bruised. The species can grow to 18 feet in height under ideal conditions and can spread to 25 feet. Generally, it is kept more modest under cultivation; various cultivars have been developed. The leaves keep their color throughout the summer, but they can lose some of their luster in cold climates. The flowers are tiny, white, and intensely fragrant, appearing in mid-spring. The fruits are inconspicuous, hidden amongst the foliage, borne in the summer. Often used as a hedging plant.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 5,6,7 |
| Heat Zones | 5,6,7,8,9 |
| Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Rosacea |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Early Spring |
| Height | 2' - 3' |
| Spread | 3' - 4' |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Evergreen, Attracts Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden |
| Planting Place | Banks and Slopes |