Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree

Native to the Mediterranean, the bay tree is well known for its culinary use. It is an upright, hardy evergreen tree with deep green, aromatic foliage. Leaves are glossy and oval in shape and hang from red-brown branches. In spring, yellow buds appear, opening to clusters of fluffy yellow flowers, adding a lovely contrast amongst the foliage. Tough, beautiful and useful, this tree lends itself well to hedging and is also an excellent choice for topiary.

Common Name: Bay Tree
Uses: Hedging Tree, Feature Tree, Topiary
Mature Height: 8m Tall approx
Mature width: 3m wide approx
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Foliage/ bark: Its leaves are glossy, dark green in color, and oval in shape. They hang from red-brown branches that add texture to your landscape design.
Flowers: In springtime clusters of small yellow flowers will appear amongst the foliage.
Evergreen/ Deciduous: Evergreen
Maintenance: Being native to the Mediterranean means that the Bay Tree does well in mild climates with plenty of sun exposure. Prune regularly if you are using it for a feature or topiary use for best results.
Soil Type: Plant it in soil that drains well - sandy soils are ideal - and provide regular watering during dry spells.

How far apart should I plant Bay Trees?

We suggest planting Bay Trees 0.8m - 1m apart to create an instant hedge

Where should Bay Trees it in my garden? 

The ideal location for planting a Laurus Nobilis Bay Tree is somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight but not too much heat during summer months (for example in partial shade). Soil conditions should be well drained with plenty of organic matter to help retain moisture; avoid planting them in areas prone to waterlogging or flooding as this can cause root rot problems which may be fatal for your tree. Planting them close together (approx 0.8cm - 1m) will create a natural hedge.

Care & Maintenance 

Laurus Nobilis Bay Trees are easy to maintain and make an ideal choice for gardens and landscaping designs. Prune dead branches regularly during the summer months. Its soil should be rich with nitrogen-based fertilizer throughout the growing season—especially during spring—to promote healthy growth of new foliage. Watering occasionally is recommended in dry spells. Fertilize twice a year with a balanced fertilizer mix designed for fruit trees to help ensure growth.