Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis

10L nursery pot • Supplied approximately 125cm tall

Plant Highlights: Aromatic evergreen foliage • Culinary bay leaves • Excellent for topiary and hedging • Attractive architectural specimen • Ideal for containers and gardens

Overview

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Bay Laurel, is a handsome evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy, aromatic foliage and naturally elegant form. Native to the Mediterranean, it has been cultivated for centuries as both an ornamental and culinary plant, with its fragrant leaves widely used to flavour soups, stews and other savoury dishes.

Its dense, upright growth makes Bay Laurel equally suited to formal topiary, evergreen hedging or growing as an attractive specimen tree. Whether planted in the ground or displayed in a large patio container beside an entrance, it provides year-round structure, colour and practical value.

Why We Love It

• Aromatic evergreen leaves can be harvested for culinary use.
• Naturally dense growth is perfect for topiary and formal shaping.
• Excellent evergreen structure throughout the year.
• Suitable for both garden planting and large containers.
• Long-lived and easy to maintain with regular trimming.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Grow in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Bay Laurel performs well in borders, kitchen gardens and large patio containers where it receives good light and protection from cold, drying winds.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season while establishing. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering during warm weather, allowing excess water to drain away freely.

Soil

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. For container growing, use a quality loam-based or free-draining compost and ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Bay Laurel is well suited to most Irish gardens in a sheltered location. Although mature plants tolerate normal winter conditions, container-grown specimens benefit from protection during prolonged severe frost. Avoid allowing roots to remain waterlogged during winter.

Routine Care

Trim in late spring or summer to maintain the desired shape. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches as required. Feed container-grown plants during the growing season and repot every few years to refresh the compost and maintain healthy growth.

Perfect For

• Kitchen gardens and edible planting.
• Evergreen hedging and screening.
• Formal topiary and clipped specimens.
• Patio containers and entrance displays.
• Mediterranean-style and contemporary gardens.

Good to Know

Bay leaves can be harvested throughout the year and used fresh or dried in cooking. Drying the leaves develops a stronger, more concentrated flavour. Harvest lightly from established plants to maintain a full, balanced shape.

Product Information

• Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
• Supplied in a 10L nursery pot.
• Supplied approximately 125cm tall.
• Evergreen shrub or small tree suitable for clipping and topiary.
• Pot size and supplied height refer to the plant at the time of sale and not its eventual mature size.