Bay Laurel Bay Leaf

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), commonly known as the Bay Leaf tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic leaves, which are used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes. The plant has dark green, glossy, and leathery leaves that are oval to lance-shaped. Bay Laurel produces small yellow flowers in spring, followed by dark purple berries. This plant is highly versatile and can be grown as a shrub, hedge, or small tree, making it an attractive and functional addition to gardens and landscapes.

Plant Characteristics:

- Leaf Color: Dark green, glossy

- Foliage: Aromatic, leathery, oval to lance-shaped leaves

- Growth Habit: Upright, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree

Native Range:

Bay Laurel is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in coastal areas and rocky hillsides. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for its culinary and ornamental uses.

USDA Hardiness Zones:

- Best suited for zones 8-11. In colder climates (zones 4-7), it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter months.

Height and Width:

- Height: 10-30 feet (3-9 meters) if left unpruned; smaller when grown in containers or as a hedge

- Width: 5-15 feet (1.5-4.5 meters)

Light Requirements:

- Prefers full sun to partial shade. Bay Laurel thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade may be beneficial.

Soil Requirements:

- Thrives in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). While it can tolerate various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

- Adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can improve fertility and moisture retention.

Watering:

- Requires moderate watering, especially during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Bay Laurel is relatively drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.

- Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root problems and leaf drop.

Temperature and Humidity:

- Prefers mild, Mediterranean-like climates with warm summers and mild winters. It can tolerate occasional frost but may need protection in areas with prolonged cold spells or temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).

- Bay Laurel can adapt to various humidity levels, but it generally prefers average to moderately humid environments.

Fertilization:

- Benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A second application in mid-summer can help maintain vigor throughout the growing season.

- Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can also provide essential nutrients and improve soil health.

Pruning and Maintenance:

- Prune Bay Laurel regularly to maintain its shape and size, especially if grown as a hedge or topiary. Light pruning can be done throughout the year to remove dead or damaged branches and promote bushier growth.

- More substantial pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

- Bay Laurel is slow-growing and responds well to pruning, making it easy to control its size and shape.

 Uses

- Culinary: The aromatic leaves of Bay Laurel are widely used in cooking to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. Leaves can be harvested year-round and used fresh or dried for later use.

- Ornamental Gardens: Ideal for adding structure and evergreen foliage to garden beds, borders, and landscapes. Its dense, glossy foliage makes it a popular choice for hedges, screens, and topiary.

- Containers: Suitable for growing in containers on patios, balconies, or indoors as a houseplant, where it can be easily managed and moved to a sheltered location during winter.

- Herb Gardens: A valuable addition to herb gardens, providing fresh bay leaves for culinary use while adding an attractive evergreen element.

- Windbreaks and Privacy Screens: Its dense growth habit and upright form make Bay Laurel an excellent choice for windbreaks and privacy screens in gardens and landscapes.

By providing the appropriate care and growing conditions, Bay Laurel can thrive, offering both culinary and ornamental benefits to any garden or landscape. Its aromatic leaves and attractive evergreen foliage make it a versatile and functional plant for various uses.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.