Laurus nobilis (Bay tree)
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Beginner skill rating |
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12m max. spread |
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12m max. height |
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20-50 years to maturity |
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1 hour care per year |
Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
Other names: Bay tree, True laurel, Victor's laurel, Roman laurel, Royal bay, Sweet bay, Bay laurel, Bay, Poet's laurel, Kitchen bay, Bayleaf herb, Bay leaf herb
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Genus: Laurus
Species: L. nobilis - L. nobilis is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic, evergreen leaves. It can be clipped into shape if desired. Its leaves can be used to flavour cooking but discarded rather than consumed. Small, yellow flowers are produced in spring and female plants may produce black berries in autumn.
Laurus nobilis is: Evergreen
Flower: Pale-yellow in Spring
Foliage: Grey-green in All seasons
Fruit: Black in Autumn
Fragrance: Foliage is aromatic and used for culinary purposes.
Habit: Erect
Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Plant with: Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' (Purple sage), Callicarpa bodinieri var giraldii 'Profusion' (Beauty berry 'Profusion')
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Watch out for
Specific pests: Horse chestnut scale , Soft scale , Tortrix moth , Bay sucker
Specific diseases: Leaf diseases of laurel , Leaf spot , Powdery mildew
General care
Propagation: Best to start from seed in autumn.. REGISTER to read more...
Propagation methods: Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings. REGISTER to read more...
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Laurus nobilis (Bay tree) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.
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Suggested uses: Coastal, Flavouring food and drinks, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean
Cultivation: Plant in free-draining soil in a sunny position, although will tolerate partial shade. Can be grown successfully in a container and may be clipped to a standard or geometric shape. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |  |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3) | |
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Bay Tree Disease/Bug problem
Question from
Hello
Almost all leaves of my large Bay Tree are strangely curled (see attached picture). When I open the curls, there is liquid and a white powder inside. Could it be eggs of an insect? Any advice how to fight this?
Hans
- Views: 1141
- Replies: 7
- Posted: Thu. 19th May 2011 18:35
- Last reply: Wed. 25th May 2011 10:43
My poor Bay Tree
Question from
I have a Laurus Noblis planted in my garden from a pot last summer. The harsh show this winter has not been kind and appears to have all but killed it. I have trimmed it but some of the shoots are 'wooden' whilst some others seem 'bendy' most of the leaves are brown with lass than half a dozen green left. Should i perservere and is there anything i can do to help it?
- Views: 440
- Replies: 3
- Posted: Mon. 14th March 2011 18:19
- Last reply: Mon. 2nd May 2011 20:25
thx for the answers Kathy C
Comment from
my bay tree is very tall,in a metal container, it can barely fit inside around 2.3 meters..:(so i must say that i have no choice...but to plant it outside...can u sugest in what conditions should i do this operation?should i cover it with what kind of materials?some advice will be welcome:P
- Views: 285
- Replies: 1
- Posted: Fri. 15th October 2010 17:51
- Last reply: Tue. 19th October 2010 17:51
some advice please...for a begginer
Question from
can i grow laurus nobilis (bay tree)in winter conditions?10F average temperatures
- Views: 209
- Replies: 2
- Posted: Thu. 14th October 2010 22:50
- Last reply: Tue. 19th October 2010 19:06
Bay tree
Comment from
The leaves on my bay tree (plant approx 4 ft) are turning light yellow from dark green. What would cause this? I bought this a month ago and is kept outside - not too much sun, not too much shade. Any answers gratefully received to this beginner gardener!
- Views: 360
- Replies: 2
- Posted: Mon. 13th September 2010 11:14
- Last reply: Mon. 13th September 2010 23:12
Bay laurel
Comment from
Frost has killed this down to the ground in my Cotswold garden for the last two winters. However last summer it sent up a new shoot so it was worth waiting before replacing it.
- Views: 533
- Replies: 2
- Posted: Mon. 22nd February 2010 15:02
- Last reply: Tue. 8th June 2010 17:22
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