About
Laurus nobilis, the bay tree, is a large, erect, evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, glossy leaves to 10 cm long. Small, pale greenish-yellow flowers 5 mm wide are borne in dense clusters in spring, followed on female plants by oval, glossy-black berries to 1.5 cm. The fresh and dried leaves are a widely used culinary flavouring. An essential and ornamental plant for a sheltered, sunny garden or container, and popular for training as topiary.
About the genus
Laurus are dioecious evergreen trees or large shrubs with leathery, aromatic leaves and small, yellow flowers followed on female plants by black berries. The bay laurel (L. nobilis) is widely grown as a culinary herb and topiary plant.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in a container. Prefers a well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Follow bay tree cultivation for more advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, layering or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to bay sucker, horse chestnut scale, soft scale and tortrix moth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and honey fungus (rarely)