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Plant Profiles / Bay laurel
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Bay laurel
Laurus nobilis · Sweet bay, bay tree
A classic evergreen with aromatic leaves for cooking. Clips beautifully into standards and cones for formal pots.
Sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Sun or light shade.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Let the top dry out.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-8–35°C (18–95°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy to light frost.
Growth
Slow, upright
SlowFast
Pots 1–2 m.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Slow-release fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Leaves can upset pets' stomachs.
About this plant
Bay is native to the Mediterranean. It grows slowly in pots and is easily shaped. Fresh or dried leaves flavour stews and sauces.
Best spots
Doorways, formal pots, sunny balconies and courtyards.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Laurus nobilis |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Evergreen tree |
| Mature size | 1–2 m in pots |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Small cream |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest
Prune
Fertilise
HarvestPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Sooty leaves | Scale; horticultural oil. |
| Curled leaves | Bay sucker insects. |
| Yellow leaves | Waterlogged or hungry. |
| Brown leaves | Cold damage. |
| Slow growth | Normal. |
Common questions
Can I cook with fresh leaves?
Yes.
How do I shape it?
Trim in summer.
Good for pots?
Excellent.
Toxic?
Yes, to pets.
