Prunus laurocerasus 'ZABELIANA' cherry laurel, common laurel, English laurel
Prunus
The genus Prunus is quite extensive and, above all, remarkably diverse – it includes around 350 different species, some of which you would hardly place in the same group at first glance. Its representatives occur from Asia through Europe and North Africa to North America. The genus comprises trees and shrubs valued mainly for their abundant and attractive flowering, as well as species with delicious edible fruits, and in this particular case an evergreen species whose persistent foliage becomes especially important during the dormant season, when most other woody plants are leafless. This species is known as cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and originates from regions around the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and northern Turkey, where it grows in submontane forests and on moist, shaded slopes. Its glossy, leathery leaves resemble those of true laurel, and this similarity that gave rise to its name – lauro‑cerasus, meaning “laurel cherry.” It reached Europe as early as the 16th century and, thanks to its frost hardiness, is today one of the most important evergreen woody plants even in Central European climate.
Cherry laurel was scientifically described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in his famous work Species Plantarum, where it received its current botanical name Prunus laurocerasus. Its cultivation and use, however, are documented already in antiquity – it is mentioned by Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny, who described it as a laurel‑like plant and drew attention to its unusual properties. The leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, primarily prunasin and, to a lesser extent, amygdalin, from which hydrocyanic acid was released when properly processed. These substances formed the basis of a distillate known as aqua laurocerasi, which was used with due medical caution as a sedative.
Zabeliana is an old cherry laurel variety whose birth dates back to the end of 19th century as it was introduced in Germany in 1898. There are no extent notes or articles about it, but it is believed to have been found by accident by a German botanist Hermann Zabel (1832-1912) who was already in his late 60’s when he spotted a natural mutation in the midst of trial fields of spireas. Those were the plants he studied thoroughly but obviously as a plant lover he could not have let go of an entirely different plant he’d not seen until then and preserving it for future generations made him immortal as the plant received his name.
Zabeliana cherry laurel is quite unique in its family. Its evergreen, leathery, deep green and highly glossy leaves are much narrower than on most varieties and arranged alternately alongside thin and very flexible, willow-like, arching branches. They grow about 30 cm per year and form a handsome, arching shrub, ideal for zen-style gardens thanks to relaxed atmosphere they can create. The compound inflorescence is made out of small, white, fragrant flowers that appear in April and May. They are followed by very ornamental fruits which, as recent studies confirmed, are not poisonous. Only seeds from unripe fruit if properly chewed may cause discomfort as they contain the same toxin like bitter almonds (source: Plants For A Future - www.pfaf.org).
Cherry laurels require moist but well‑drained soil, ideally acidic to neutral and rich in nutrients. They do not tolerate compacted, heavy clay, muddy, or permanently waterlogged soils. They are sensitive to lime in the soil, which most commonly manifests as chlorosis – the leaves lose their green colour and the vein pattern becomes pronounced. Similar symptoms may also occur in cases of nutrient deficiency. In both situations, the application of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt), organic fertilisers, or adjustment of soil pH towards a more acidic reaction is beneficial. They tolerate pruning of any intensity and respond particularly well to rejuvenation pruning into old wood, from which they readily regenerate. The best time for pruning is in spring after the risk of frost has passed; shaping cuts are carried out in mid‑summer. Because they retain their leaves year‑round – even in winter – and continuously transpire water, they require an adequate supply of moisture. Until a sufficiently deep root system develops, it is advisable to water them at least once a month during dry winters to prevent dehydration and subsequent leaf scorch caused by strong winter sun. To retain moisture and protect against temperature fluctuations, year‑round mulching is strongly recommended. Zabeliana is renowned and popular for its hardiness as it withstands -25 °C (USDA zone 5b) without any damage.
Last update 19-09-2021; 22-12-2025
