Laurus nobilis
bay tree
A large, erect, evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, glossy leaves up to 10cm long and 2-4cm wide. Dried or fresh leaves are popular flavouring in meal preparation. Flowers are 5mm small, pale greenish-yellow, in dense clusters. Fruits are oval berries 1.5 cm in diameter, glossy black when ripe
Other common names
baybay laurel
see morepoet's laurel
Roman laurel
royal bay
sweet bay
true laurel
victor's laurel
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Laurus are dioecious evergreen trees or large shrubs, with leathery aromatic leaves, and small yellow flowers followed on female plants by black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in a container. Prefers a well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Follow bay tree cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, layering or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
No pruning required - Pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to bay sucker, horse chestnut scale, soft scale and tortrix moth
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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