LAURUS nobilis

Commonly known as Poet's laurel, Sweet bay, True laurel

Culinary bayleaf

Further Reading....

Trees - Care Guide

Estimated availability autumn 2020 - Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.

individually £11.50 each, 3+ £9.00 each

Estimated availability autumn 2020

2 to 3 Litre

Available again from March 2021 - New stock in late winter/early spring.

Large £45.00 each

Available again from March 2021

7.5 to 10 Litre

Click to see photo

Details
Description
Mature Size
Tips and Advice
Goes Well With
Planting Combinations
Other Suggestions
See Also...

Densely branched conical tree or large shrub native to the Mediteranean region growing in moist rocky areas. Its aromatic leaves are used as a culinary herb.

Evergreen - narrowly ovate, glossy, dark-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
Yellow - greenish-yellow
Height - 12m (39ft)
Spread - 10m (33ft)
Tree - or large shrub. Produces flowers 5mm (¼in) across followed by black berries.
Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
Full sun
Partial shade
May cause skin allergy or irritant - Having skin or eye contact with these plants could result in an allergic reaction, burning or rash.
Additional Features - Good to know - - the laurel wreath of ancient Greece. Wildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects.
Medicinal properties - many medicinal uses including as a digestive aid, for reducing flatulence and the berries have even been used to(supposedly) cure baldness
Pests & Diseases - scale insects, tortrix moth caterpillars, powdery mildew, leaf spot.
Place of origin - Mediterranean.
Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept - - slightly back from the sea with more shelter
Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -
Pruning group - Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

RHS group 1
Scented Plants - Scented foliage - - aromatic foliage.
Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - shelter from cold winds
Tree Shape - Broadly conical -
Wildlife - Bee friendly -
Rabbit Resistant