Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 50cm/75L 100L 230L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

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.

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 mustconfirm 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.

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 .

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

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)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact Us

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically At Checkout

About Your New Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

Laurus nobilis, the Bay Tree or Sweet Bay, is a classic Mediterranean evergreen that combines genuine culinary value with timeless ornamental appeal. The aromatic glossy dark green leaves are the true culinary bay used in cooking, and the dense upright habit makes it one of the most versatile formal plants available.

Bay Tree grows to 6-10 metres tall and 2-4 metres wide, but is most often kept far smaller as a clipped hedge, shaped topiary, or potted standard. Its excellent response to pruning makes it a go-to for formal hedges, screens, clipped balls, and lollipop standards in gardens, courtyards, and on patios and balconies.

Bay Tree thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, light frost, and coastal exposure once established. It is low maintenance, long-lived, and reliably evergreen, holding its structure and fresh aromatic foliage year-round.

Standard Bay Tree or Miles Choice? The standard Laurus nobilis is the classic species form, versatile for hedging, topiary, and culinary use. Its improved cultivar Miles Choice has a tighter, more compact, more upright habit that produces denser, tidier hedges with less pruning. Both share the same edible aromatic foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

How tall does Bay Tree grow?

Laurus nobilis grows to 6-10 metres tall and 2-4 metres wide, but is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-3 metre clipped hedge or shaped topiary.

How fast does Bay Tree grow?

Bay Tree is slow to moderate growing, adding 20-40cm per year once established. This slow rate is part of why it holds formal shapes so well.

Are Bay Tree leaves edible?

Yes. Laurus nobilis is the true culinary bay. The aromatic leaves are widely used fresh or dried in stocks, soups, slow-cooked dishes, and marinades.

Is Bay Tree suitable for hedging and topiary?

Yes. Bay Tree responds very well to pruning and is one of the most popular plants for formal hedges, clipped topiary, and standards in Australia.

What is the difference between standard Bay Tree and 'Miles Choice'?

Standard Laurus nobilis is the classic species form. 'Miles Choice' is an improved cultivar with a tighter, more compact, more upright habit that produces denser, tidier hedges with less pruning. Both have the same edible aromatic foliage.

Can Bay Tree grow in pots?

Yes. Bay Tree is one of the most popular potted plants for courtyards, patios, and balconies, and is well suited to clipped ball or lollipop topiary in pots.

Where does Bay Tree grow best in Australia?

Bay Tree thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, light frost, coastal exposure, and a wide range of well-drained soils once established.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

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.

Is Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Evergreen or 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 .

Growth Rate of Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

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

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

Is Laurus nobilis Bay Tree frost tolerant?

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

Does Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Flower?

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.

Does Laurus nobilis Bay Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered
Fragrant
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Is Laurus nobilis Bay Tree an Australian Native Tree?

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.

What is the Wildlife Value of Laurus nobilis Bay Tree ?

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.

How much Sunlight does Laurus nobilis Bay Tree need?

Laurus nobilis Bay Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred 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.

Is Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Drought Tolerant?

Is Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Drought tolerant?

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.

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How To Plant Your Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

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.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

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

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

Slow Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

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.

Planting Your Laurus nobilis Bay Tree in Different Soil

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.

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.