Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Bay, Laurus nobilis is one of the oldest shrubs in cultivation, introduced at least as early as 1650. It's an essential foliage plant for herb gardens, its leaves commonly used in curries and as part of a bouquet garni. It's slightly tender when young and benefits from shelter and protection in winter. Plants are traditionally trained and clipped as topiary, and make fine structural features in formal gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Laurus nobilis in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, ideally near a south- or west-facing wall, which willl provide additional shelter from cold winds and frost. In cooler regions, consider growing in a container which you can move indoors in autumn.

Take a look at our full guide on how to grow bay (Laurus nobilis).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes

Laurus and wildlife

Laurus has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Laurus poisonous?

Laurus can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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