Laurus nobilis – Bay Laurel Standard

Laurus nobilis

7.5L Pot | Standard Form | Approx. 120cm Overall Height | Approx. 35cm Head

Plant Highlights: Aromatic evergreen foliage • Classic clipped standard form • Leaves for culinary use • Excellent in containers or borders • Year-round architectural structure

Overview

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Bay Laurel, is a handsome evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy, aromatic dark green leaves. A plant with a long horticultural and culinary history, its leaves are widely used fresh or dried to flavour soups, stews and stocks, while its dense evergreen foliage provides structure and interest throughout the year.

Supplied as a clipped standard with a neatly shaped head, this specimen creates an elegant focal point for entrances, patios and formal gardens. Bay Laurel responds exceptionally well to pruning, allowing its standard form to be maintained with regular clipping. Left unpruned, it develops into a large, bushy shrub or small tree.

Why We Love It

• Aromatic leaves can be harvested for culinary use throughout the year.
• Evergreen foliage provides lasting structure in every season.
• The clipped standard form brings instant elegance to patios and entrances.
• Produces small yellow-green spring flowers that attract bees, followed by dark berries on female plants.
• Equally suited to decorative containers, herb gardens and formal planting schemes.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position, protected from cold, drying winds. It thrives in borders or large containers with good drainage.

Watering

Water regularly during the establishment period to encourage a strong root system. Container-grown plants require consistent watering during the growing season, allowing excess water to drain away freely. Reduce watering during winter while preventing the compost from drying out completely.

Soil

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Containers should be filled with a high-quality loam-based compost to provide long-term stability and drainage.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Hardy in sheltered Irish gardens (RHS H4), but young plants and container-grown specimens benefit from protection during prolonged frost. In severe cold, move pots to a sheltered location or insulate the container to help protect the roots.

Routine Care

Trim lightly once or twice during the growing season to maintain the standard shape and encourage dense foliage. Feed container-grown plants during spring and summer to support healthy growth. Harvest leaves as required for culinary use, using only the leaves.

Perfect For

• Framing front doors and entrances.
• Formal gardens and clipped topiary displays.
• Large patio containers.
• Kitchen and herb gardens.
• Evergreen structure in borders and courtyards.

Good to Know

Bay Laurel is grown both as an ornamental and a culinary plant. Only the aromatic leaves are used for cooking, either fresh or dried. The clipped standard shape is created and maintained through regular pruning rather than being the plant's natural growth habit.

Product Information

• Supplied in a 7.5L nursery pot.
• Standard form with an approximate 35cm clipped head.
• Approximate overall height: 120cm.
• Evergreen specimen suitable for containers or garden planting.
• Plants are living products and naturally vary slightly in size, shape and seasonal growth.