Overview
Laurus nobilis is a bushy tree in the genus Laurus, part of the Lauraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 12.0 m tall. Laurus nobilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.0-7.5 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include herb garden, culinary and ornamental. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya and Morocco.
About
Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glabrous (smooth) leaves. It is in the flowering plant family Lauraceae.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Laurus nobilis
About the genus
Laurus is a genus of evergreen trees or shrubs belonging to the laurel family. The genus contains three or more species, including the bay laurel or sweet bay, L. nobilis, widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and a culinary herb.
Wikipedia contributors, "Laurus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Laurus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Laurus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Laurus nobilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree, Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 12.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Herb garden, Culinary, Ornamental
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, bay leaf scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Laurus nobilis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, protect from severe frost
- Pruning
- Light pruning to maintain shape, best done in spring
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed
- Pest resistance
- Bay sucker, Horse chestnut scale, Soft scale, Tortrix moth
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Laurus nobilis?
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, protect from severe frost.
Where is the best place to plant Laurus nobilis?
Laurus nobilis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Laurus nobilis need?
Laurus nobilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.0-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Laurus nobilis?
Light pruning to maintain shape, best done in spring.
How big does Laurus nobilis grow?
Laurus nobilis reaches a height of 12.0 m.
Is Laurus nobilis hardy in the UK?
Laurus nobilis 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 nobilis?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed.
