- Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
- Common name: Bay
- Family: Lauraceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Evergreen
Yellow
Green
- Key features:
- Aromatic foliage
- Flowers
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).
How to grow Laurus nobilis
-
Plant size
12m height
10m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
- Plant care: Needs regular watering in pots
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Laurus nobilis and wildlife
Laurus nobilis has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Laurus nobilis poisonous?
Laurus nobilis can be toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
