Laurus nobilis
Bay laurel, Sweet Bay, Poet's Laurel, True laurel, Laurel tree
Also known as Laurus Bay Tree
- Height × spread
- 2.5m × 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Generally all year, largest selection in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is the laurel referred to in classical times, if you are into making wreaths for the victorious. These days we tend to use it for cooking. The plant has long, dark green leaves that are aromatic and a dense habit. It is often grown in a container and trimmed to a formal cone. Rounded clusters of greenish white flowers are tucked into the leaf axils and appear in April, followed by berries, which start off deep-green then change to black.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Black
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 2.5m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover, Screening, Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Walls
- North, South, East, West facing
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Trim foliage
If a formal shape is needed, trim foliage while the plant is in growth to keep the plant looking neat.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.