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Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

Most loved for its aromatic evergreen foliage, widely used in cooking, and its elegant formal form when clipped as a standard.

Regular price $1,460.00
Sale price $1,460.00 Regular price
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Title: 50L
Current height guide
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Pot size
50L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
50LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,460.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,800.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Laurus nobilis (Standard Form)

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is the classic culinary Bay Tree trained as an elegant topiary: a clear straight trunk topped with a dense clipped head of glossy aromatic foliage. It brings a polished, timeless look to entrances, pathways, courtyards, and patios, and the leaves can be picked fresh for cooking.

    Bay Leaf Standards arrive at the trunk height ordered, typically with a clipped head maintained at a consistent size through regular pruning. They look their best used as matched pairs flanking a doorway, as repeated standards along a path, or as single feature plants in pots and garden beds.

    Bay Leaf Standards thrive in full sun to part shade and are low maintenance, drought tolerant once established, and reliably evergreen. They tolerate heat, light frost, and coastal exposure, and respond well to the occasional clip that keeps the head crisp and formal.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

    What is a Bay Leaf Standard?

    A Bay Leaf Standard is a Laurus nobilis bay tree trained as a topiary: a clear straight trunk topped with a clipped head of glossy aromatic evergreen foliage.

    How tall does a Bay Leaf Standard grow?

    Bay Leaf Standards arrive at the trunk height you order, with the clipped head maintained at a consistent size through regular pruning.

    Are the leaves edible?

    Yes. Laurus nobilis is the true culinary bay. The aromatic leaves can be picked fresh or dried for use in stocks, soups, slow-cooked dishes, and marinades.

    How do I prune a Bay Leaf Standard?

    Lightly clip the head 2-3 times per year to maintain a tidy shape, and pinch any shoots that appear on the trunk to keep it clear.

    Can Bay Leaf Standards grow in pots?

    Yes. Bay Leaf Standards are one of the most popular potted topiary plants for courtyards, patios, balconies, and framing entrances.

    Are Bay Leaf Standards drought tolerant?

    Yes. Bay Leaf Standards are drought tolerant once established and low maintenance, needing only occasional watering and clipping.

    Where do Bay Leaf Standards grow best in Australia?

    Bay Leaf Standards thrive across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, light frost, and coastal exposure once established.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Rounded
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Edible Garden
    • Underplanting
    • Shrubs
    Mature height
    Naturally grows 4m to 8m (approx.) (standard height is maintained by training and pruning)
    Mature width
    1m to 2m (canopy width)

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Pot or container: A 40 to 50 centimetre wide pot suits a single specimen for courtyards, entries and balconies.

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is expected to grow 15cm to 30cm per year (approx.).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 3 to 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone in the garden, or a thin layer of decorative pebbles in pots, keeping it clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard in Different Soil

    Laurus nobilis performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Edible Garden
    • Underplanting
    • Shrubs

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard works in an:

    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Edible Garden – integrates fruit, herbs, and productive plants.

    Is Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: Naturally grows 4m to 8m (approx.) (standard height is maintained by training and pruning)

    Mature Width: 1m to 2m (canopy width)

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is expected to grow 15cm to 30cm per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is expected to grow 15cm to 30cm per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard

    Is Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard frost tolerant?

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard Flower?

    Laurus nobilis Standards produce small, pale yellow star-like flowers in spring. These modest blooms sit quietly among the glossy, aromatic foliage and add subtle seasonal interest, though the tree’s main appeal comes from its sculpted lollipop canopy and rich culinary-scented leaves.

    Does Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Clustered
    • Fragrant
    • Pollinator-attracting

    Flower Colour:

    Yellow

    Is Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard is Native to The Mediterranean region, especially southern Europe and Turkey, where it grows naturally on hillsides and coastal forests.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard ?

    Its spring flowers attract bees, hoverflies and beneficial pollinators, while the dense evergreen canopy provides shelter, shade and roosting sites for small birds. The aromatic foliage also creates micro-habitats that support insects and contribute to a biodiverse Mediterranean-style garden ecosystem.

    How much Sunlight does Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard need?

    Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Laurus nobilis Standards perform best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. They may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with coarse material and organic matter to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong root health, foliage density and long-term topiary form.

    Is Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard Drought Tolerant?

    Is Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established the Bay Tree Standard develops good drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry and coastal climates and maintains its tidy, formal canopy with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a Bay Leaf Standard?

    A Bay Leaf Standard is a Laurus nobilis bay tree trained as a topiary lollipop: a clear straight trunk topped with a clipped ball of aromatic evergreen foliage.

    How tall does a Bay Leaf Standard grow?

    Our Bay Leaf Standards arrive at the trunk height you order, with a clipped ball head maintained at a consistent size through regular pruning.

    Are the leaves on a Bay Leaf Standard edible?

    Yes. The leaves are true culinary bay (Laurus nobilis) and can be picked fresh for cooking, just like a hedge or shrub-form bay tree.

    How do I prune a Bay Leaf Standard?

    Lightly clip the ball head 2-3 times per year to maintain a tight rounded shape. Pinch any shoots on the trunk to keep it clear. Bay's slow growth makes the shape easy to hold.

    Can Bay Leaf Standards grow in pots?

    Yes. Bay Leaf Standards are one of the most popular potted topiary plants, performing well in large pots (40L+) for formal entrances and courtyards.

    How fast does a Bay Leaf Standard grow?

    Bay is slow-growing, which is part of why it holds a clipped formal shape so well with minimal maintenance.

    Where do Bay Leaf Standards grow best in Australia?

    Bay Leaf Standards thrive in mild temperate climates across most of Australia, preferring full sun with well-drained soil. They tolerate light frost once established.

    Compare sizes side by side

    50L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Laurus nobilis (Standard Form) is loved for its aromatic evergreen foliage, widely used in cooking, and its elegant formal form when clipped as a standard.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Laurus nobilis Bay Leaf Standard With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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