Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
Also listed as Laurus angusta, Laurus papillosa
Also known as Bay, Laurel, Sweet Bay
Climate Match for your location
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Bay Laurel is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic, culinary leaves. Its glossy foliage and slow, compact growth make it ideal for ornamental use, hedging, and container cultivation.
Why grow it
Bay Laurel offers reliable leaf production for culinary use in regions where Mediterranean herbs are otherwise limited. Unlike many culinary herbs that require frequent harvesting or replanting, Bay Laurel develops into a long-lived woody plant that tolerates partial shade and neglect once established. Its compact form makes it suitable for smaller permaculture systems where space for perennial herbs is constrained.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, winter protection or container cultivation may be necessary to prevent frost damage to new growth. Container-grown plants may experience spider mite infestations in very dry indoor conditions, requiring attentive watering management. Growth is notably slow during establishment, so plants may take several years to reach productive size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lauraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Angustifolia' features narrower, more linear leaves and a compact form. 'Aurea' displays golden-yellow foliage and is prized for ornamental effect.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Bay Laurel is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic, culinary leaves. Its glossy foliage and slow, compact growth make it ideal for ornamental use, hedging, and container cultivation.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bay Laurel grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bay Laurel offers reliable leaf production for culinary use in regions where Mediterranean herbs are otherwise limited. Unlike many culinary herbs that require frequent harvesting or replanting, Bay Laurel develops into a long-lived woody plant that tolerates partial shade and neglect once established. Its compact form makes it suitable for smaller permaculture systems where space for perennial herbs is constrained.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, winter protection or container cultivation may be necessary to prevent frost damage to new growth. Container-grown plants may experience spider mite infestations in very dry indoor conditions, requiring attentive watering management. Growth is notably slow during establishment, so plants may take several years to reach productive size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lauraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Angustifolia' features narrower, more linear leaves and a compact form. 'Aurea' displays golden-yellow foliage and is prized for ornamental effect.