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LAURUS nobilis
Commonly known as Poet's laurel, Sweet bay, True laurel
Culinary bayleaf
Further Reading....
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EvergreenNarrowly ovate, glossy, dark-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long
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YellowGreenish-yellow
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Height12m (39ft)
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Spread10m (33ft)
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TreeOr large shrub. Produces flowers 5mm (¼in) across followed by black berries.
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Hardy - average winterHardy 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)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
LAURUS nobilis
- 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.
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowThe laurel wreath of ancient Greece. Wildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects.Medicinal propertiesMany medicinal uses including as a digestive aid, for reducing flatulence and the berries have even been used to(supposedly) cure baldnessPests & DiseasesScale insects, tortrix moth caterpillars, powdery mildew, leaf spot.Place of originMediterranean.
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windsweptSlightly back from the sea with more shelter
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable 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 PlantsScented foliageAromatic foliage.
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilShelter from cold winds
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Tree ShapeBroadly conical
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WildlifeBee friendlyRabbit Resistant
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Laurus - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
12m (39ft)
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10m (33ft) |












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Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50