Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree

Name: Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: LAURNOBBA230L
Price: 1800.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$1,800.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1000 in stock

Size: 230L

230L 100L 70L 50cm 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 0.9 m – 1.4 m Approx.
50cm: 0.9 m – 2.4 m Approx.
70L: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: 2.2 m – 2.6 m Approx.
230L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as the Bay Tree or Sweet Bay, is a versatile evergreen tree or large shrub cherished for its aromatic, glossy dark green leaves widely used in cooking. Native to the Mediterranean, it combines practical culinary value with strong ornamental appeal, making it a timeless addition to gardens and landscapes.

Growing to 6–10 meters tall (often smaller in cultivation) and 2–4 meters wide, this upright, dense shrub adapts well to pruning and shaping, whether as topiary, hedges, or screens. It produces small yellow flowers in spring and black or purple berries in fall, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Laurus nobilis is low maintenance and ideal for herb gardens, containers, patios, and balconies. It looks excellent planted as a formal hedge or as a graceful specimen, adding year-round greenery and a fresh, aromatic touch that resonates deeply with gardeners who love beauty paired with function.

Moderate watering during establishment supports healthy growth, and occasional pruning encourages a bushier, well-formed shape—making this classic bay tree a delightful and practical garden staple.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 2 – 4 meters

Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree is expected to grow Approx 15 – 30 cm per year .

Frost Tolerance

Is Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

Laurus nobilis produces clusters of small, pale yellow star-like flowers in spring. These modest blooms nestle among the glossy, aromatic foliage and offer gentle seasonal interest, while the tree’s primary appeal remains its dense structure and richly scented culinary leaves.

Native Information

Is Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree an Australian Native? No

Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree is Native to The Mediterranean region, particularly southern Europe and Turkey, where it grows naturally in coastal woodlands and rocky hillsides.

Wildlife Value

Its spring flowers attract bees, hoverflies and other small pollinators, while the compact evergreen canopy provides shelter and nesting spots for small birds. The aromatic foliage also supports microfauna and beneficial insects, adding subtle biodiversity value to Mediterranean-style and formal gardens.

Sunlight Information

Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Laurus nobilis performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support dense evergreen growth, strong root health and reliable drought resilience.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Bay Tree, Sweet Bay

Genus: Laurus

Botanical Species: nobilis

Family: Lauraceae

Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis

Landscape Uses

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

Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Edible Garden – integrates fruit, herbs, and productive plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and either full sun or partial shade exposure.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Feature Planting: Space 3 – 4 m apart for natural form

Hedging & Screening: Space 1.5 – 2.5 m apart for dense hedge

Topiary & Container Use: Space individually; perfect for patios and balconies

Caring for Laurus nobilis:

Water regularly, especially during prolonged dry periods, to establish a deep and extensive root system.
Fertilize with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring.
Prune as needed to shape or to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done after the risk of frost has passed.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

This tree prefers well-drained soil but adapts to various conditions.

Sandy Soil: Retains little moisture—add compost to improve fertility and water retention.

Clay Soil: Can retain too much water—improve with organic matter and sand for better drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for strong root development and consistent growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Thrives in a wide pH range but prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.

Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree is expected to grow Approx 15 – 30 cm per year .

Slow Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Bay Tree develops good drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry and coastal environments and maintains its dense evergreen canopy with only occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.

Flowering Information

Does Laurus nobilis - Bay Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered
Fragrant
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to plant a Bay Tree?
Planting in early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the tree to establish its roots in moderate temperatures.
How often should I water my Bay Tree?
Regular watering is important, especially during the establishment phase and in periods of extended dry weather.
Is Laurus nobilis susceptible to any pests or diseases?
Bay Trees are generally robust but can occasionally suffer from bay sucker, scale insects, and fungal diseases.
Can Bay Trees be grown indoors?
Yes, they can be grown in containers indoors, provided they receive enough sunlight and are cared for properly.
What are the culinary uses of Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves are a common flavoring in soups, stews, sauces, and a variety of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.