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Herbs - CulinaryShrubs

Laurus nobilis Little Ragu ('Monrik')

A compact, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree with strongly aromatic, leathery dark green foliage on reddish stems. Dense clusters of pale, greenish-yellow flowers may appear in the spring. May be clipped into a formal hedge or topiary and an ideal choice for pots and containers. The dried leaves can be used as a seasoning in cooking

Synonyms

Laurus nobilis 'Monrik'

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Ultimate height

2.5–4 metres

Time to ultimate height

20–50 years

Ultimate spread

2.5–4 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Lauraceae
Native to GB / Ireland: 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: Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in a container. Prefers a well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance
Wall side borders

Pruning

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)

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