BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Sweet bay
• Genus: Laurus
• Species: nobilis
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: acidic, chalky/alkaline, clay/heavy, well-drained/light
• Height: 12m
• Spread: 10m
• Flowering period: March to May

One of the oldest shrubs in cultivation, introduced at least as early as 1650, the Mediterranean sweet bay or bay laurel is an essential foliage plant for herb gardens It is slightly tender while young and benefits from shelter and protection in winter - older plants may even be damaged by frost if grown in unsuitable positions, so in colder gardens, grow bay in containers and move to a sheltered position over winter. Plants are traditionally trained and clipped as topiary, and make fine structural features in formal gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).