Bay Laurel

The Bay Laurel should not be confused with the Cherry Laurel. This large evergreen shrub or small tree provides the ‘bay leaves’ used in cooking, and in the garden it is a handsome plant that makes a large shrub, growing 10 feet tall, and eventually reaching 30 feet. Trimmed it becomes an attractive hedge or topiary plants in many shapes, and potted trees are perfect to decorate your garden or terraces. It is hardy in zones 8 to 10, but in cooler areas it is easy to grow in a container and overwinter in a bright, cool place indoors. Very popular in Europe, its usefulness and versatility should be recognized more in North America.

• Attractive evergreen shrub for specimens, hedges or pots
• Leaves are used fresh or dried in many recipes
• Handsome glossy gray-green leaves
• Easily trimmed into hedges or topiary
• In colder zones, grow in a pot and winter indoors

The Bay Laurel tree grows well in sun or partial-shade, in any well-drained soil. It is moderately drought tolerant once established, but it grows best with a regular supply of water. In the garden it will grow in most soils. In containers use any outdoor potting soil. Make sure your planter has drainage, and water regularly, after the soil has dried a little. Feed regularly from spring to fall, and keep in a cool, frost-free, brightly-lit place for the winter months. Hot, dry interior temperatures will encourage pests to develop. Trim as wanted between spring and fall, drying and saving the leaves for the kitchen.