Laurus nobilis


bay tree
L. nobilis is a large, erect evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery leaves useful in cooking. Flowers small, pale greenish-yellow, in dense clusters; fruit oval, glossy black when ripe
Other common names
baybay laurel
see morepoet's laurel
Roman laurel
royal bay
sweet bay
true laurel
victor's laurel
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | Black | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Laurus are dioecious evergreen trees or large shrubs, with leathery aromatic leaves, and small yellow flowers followed on female plants by black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in a container. Prefers a well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Can get bay sucker, horse chestnut scale, soft scale and tortrix moth
Diseases
Powdery mildews and a leaf spot may be a problem
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.