LAURUS nobilis

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

Culinary bayleaf

Further Reading....

Trees - Care Guide

Details
Description
Mature Size
Tips and Advice
Goes Well With
Planting Combinations
Other Suggestions
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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) -
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