Laurus nobilis (Bay tree)

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

Genus

Laurus 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.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Foliage is aromatic and used for culinary purposes.

Habit

Erect

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Pale-yellow in Spring

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

How to care

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.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Laurus nobilis (Bay tree) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.

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.

Soil type

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

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Laurus nobilis (Bay tree)

Common pest name

Japanese long scale; Japanese maple scale; Long scale; Japanese; Pear white scale

Scientific pest name

Lopholeucaspis japonica

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Regulated only on Citrus at present; regulation on other hosts needs to be considered. Only likely to be a pest under glass in UK.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Laurus nobilis (Bay tree)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/