{"product_id":"laurus-nobilis-bay-leaf-balls-bay-laurel","title":"Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Balls – Bay Laurel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLaurus nobilis\u003c\/em\u003e Bay Leaf Balls are pre-clipped formal topiary balls of the classic Bay Laurel, ready to place. The aromatic dark green foliage is glossy and dense, holds a clean rounded shape year-round, and is the same leaf used in cooking, so the plant is both ornamental and useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBay is one of the most reliable topiary subjects available. It clips well, holds its form between trims, and tolerates a wide range of Australian conditions. Two light clips a year, in spring and again in late summer, keep the ball crisp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt performs in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil, is drought tolerant once established, and handles coastal exposure and light to moderate frost. Bay balls suit entrances in pairs, formal pathway rhythm, courtyard corners and large decorative pots. They are one of the few formal topiary options that also earn their place in a kitchen garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin:44px 0 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:1.5px;margin:0 0 8px;padding-top:32px;border-top:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);text-transform:uppercase;color:currentColor;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 24px;color:currentColor;opacity:0.65;font-size:14px;font-style:italic;\"\u003eAbout Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Balls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhat is a Bay Leaf Ball?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eA Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel that has been trained and pre-clipped into a formal rounded topiary ball. It arrives shaped and ready to place, rather than needing years of clipping to develop the form.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eCan you cook with the leaves?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eYes. This is true Bay Laurel, the same plant the culinary bay leaf comes from. Picking leaves as needed does no harm and helps keep the ball tight. Do not confuse it with Cherry Laurel, which is a different plant and is not edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow often does it need clipping?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eTwo light clips a year is enough, one in spring and one in late summer or early autumn. Use sharp shears and step back regularly to check the shape. Avoid cutting hard into bare old wood, which is slow to reshoot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eWhere does Bay grow best in Australia?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eBay is adaptable and performs across most of Australia, from subtropical Queensland through coastal and inland NSW, Victoria and South Australia. It prefers full sun to part shade with free-draining soil, and handles coastal exposure well. Avoid heavy waterlogged ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eCan it grow in a pot?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eYes, and it is one of the classic pot topiaries. Use a quality free-draining mix in a pot of at least 45 cm diameter, water regularly through the warmer months and feed in spring. Step the pot up in size every two to three years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eIs Bay frost tolerant?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eIt handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts, and potted plants can be moved into shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25);padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"font-weight:500;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4;padding-right:12px;font-size:16px;color:currentColor;\"\u003eHow do I care for it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin:14px 0 0;line-height:1.7;color:currentColor;opacity:0.85;\"\u003eWater regularly through the first summer, then only during extended dry periods. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Clip twice a year to hold the shape. Watch for scale in humid conditions, which is the main pest of bay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Evergreen Trees Direct","offers":[{"title":"40cm","offer_id":47066071105735,"sku":"LAUNOBBAL40","price":290.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.evergreentrees.com.au\/products\/laurus-nobilis-bay-leaf-balls-bay-laurel","provider":"Evergreen Trees Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}