About
An evergreen shrub or small tree, to around 8m tall, with aromatic foliage useful in cooking. The leaves are willow-like in appearance being long and narrow and with wavy edges. Yellowish-green flowers appear in spring.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, 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
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by 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)