Laurus
Laurel
- Height × spread
- 2.5m – 17m × 1m – 6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Neat evergreen tree with aromatic green leaves which are used as the herb "bay leaf" in cooking. In spring, greenish-white flowers appear and in autumn black berries. Some grow over 8m tall, but most are in the 1-2m range, easily cut to shape and size. Pyramids and lolly pop shapes are popular, used to create focal points in the garden. Ideal for year round structure and fresh herbs on tap.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 2.5m – 17m
- Spread
- 1m – 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Screening, Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
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.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune some varieties
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.
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.