Overview
Laurus azorica is a bushy herbs - culinary in the genus Laurus, part of the Lauraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Laurus azorica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and hedging and screens.
About
Laurus azorica, known as Canary Island laurel, is a bushy evergreen cultivar within the Laurus genus, which comprises dioecious trees or sizable shrubs with leathery, fragrant foliage. This cultivar thrives in well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH levels from acid to alkaline. It prefers full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H4. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, coastal and informal settings, it can be used for hedging, screens, or container planting, providing winter interest with its evergreen habit.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Laurus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Laurus azorica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Laurus azorica
- Propagation
- Seed, Layering, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Bay sucker, Horse chestnut scale, Soft scale, Tortrix moth
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Laurus azorica?
Laurus azorica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Laurus azorica need?
Laurus azorica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Laurus azorica hardy in the UK?
Laurus azorica has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Laurus azorica?
Seed, Layering, Semi-hardwood cuttings.