Bay
Laurus nobilis
Also known as
Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay, Bay Tree, Poet's Laurel, Roman Laurel, Royal Bay, True Laurel, Victor's Laurel, Grecian Laurel, Bay-Leaf Laurel, Bay tree, Sweet bay laurel, Royal laurel
Laurus nobilis flowers by User:Tintazul (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
18m | Max | 7.5m |
2m | Min | 2m |
50 to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Bay
Bay Overview
Laurus nobilis is an evergreen shrub or tree species from the Lauraceae family. Its commonly known by the names Bay, Bay Tree, Bay Laurel and Laurel Tree, amongst others. Bay Trees are versatile evergreen trees that can be grown in full sun as well as shade. They make great container plants and can also be pruned into hedges. Bay leaves are dark green, very aromatic and can be used in various Mediterranean dishes. Bay Trees can also be turned into topiaries and shaped into interesting shapes, and some have ornately plaited or spirally trained stems. Flowers are small and popular with insects, coloured pale yellow-green, the are produced in dense clusters. Flowers lead onto oval fruits which ripen to black. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. It is also part of the RHS “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
Common problems with Bay
Scale, leaf spots, yellow leaves, and peeling bark.
How to harvest Bay
Leaves can be harvested throughout the year. The leaves should be dried before use, as fresh bay leaves are bitter. Dry for 48-72 hours.
How to propagate Bay
Seed
Collect seeds in autumn, remove the fleshy outer shell and sow as soon as possible. Soak bought seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Sow seeds 2.5 cm deep.
Cuttings
Take 8cm stem cuttings in early summer/autumn. Remove upper and lower leaves and dip root end in hormone cutting mix. Plant in two parts sand, one part peat moss. Be patient - it will root in 9 months.
Layering
Air layering takes longer than propagation from cuttings or seedlings/seeds.
Division
Division in spring.
Special features of Bay
Crop rotation
Bay Trees are medium feeders and if grown in a pot, should be repotted every two years.
Pot plant
Bay trees make great container trees and thrive if watered regularly and sheltered.
Repels harmful insects
Bay leaves are a weevil deterrent. Place some leaves in the cabinet where you keep your flour and other grains to repel bugs.
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Bay
Culinary, medicinal, insect repellant
culinary
medicinal
insect repellant
Plants for Summer Cuttings
Some of the many plants which you can take semi-ripe cuttings from in summer.
Explore all
Summer flowering garden shrubs
These summer flowering shrubs are perfect additions to a garden to provide pollinators with habitat, shelter and food.
Explore all
