Overview

Laurus nobilis 'Moonspot' is a plant with a bushy, erect, small tree, large shrub habit in the genus Laurus, part of the Lauraceae family, with evergreen, glossy, dark green, aromatic foliage. Laurus nobilis 'Moonspot' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include hedging, topiary, specimen plant and patio plant.

About

Laurus nobilis 'Moonspot' is an evergreen laurel cultivar with glossy, aromatic dark green leaves and an erect, well-branched habit as a small tree or large shrub. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils provided they drain. It flowers in April to May. Use it where its upright form can be shown off: as a specimen, trained topiary or patio plant.

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

In the garden

Laurus nobilis 'Moonspot' belongs to the Lauraceae and presents as a compact, erect small tree or large shrub with smooth, glossy aromatic foliage. Its dark green leaves persist through the year and it produces flowers in April to May. The cultivar's form makes it useful where a neat outline is required. Plant 'Moonspot' in full sun or part shade on a well-drained site; it will grow on chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline soils. The rating H4 equates to average hardiness for the UK, so it will suit most mainland gardens though siting on a sheltered aspect can be beneficial in exposed coastal spots. It tolerates both sheltered and exposed positions and can be trained as a formal standard or clipped into topiary. Use this laurel for low hedging, formal clipped screens, single-specimen planting or in containers on a patio where its upright shape is visible. For topiary or specimen use allow room for its upright growth and prune to maintain the desired outline rather than removing its characteristic form.

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, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Laurus nobilis 'Moonspot' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Bushy, Erect, Small tree, Large shrub

Foliage

Evergreen, Glossy, Dark green, Aromatic

Suggested uses

Hedging, Topiary, Specimen plant, Patio plant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Laurus nobilis 'Moonspot'

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