Bay Laurel: Planting, Care and Pruning

Botany

The genus Laurus comprises only two species in total: Laurus nobilis, our famous bay laurel, and Laurus azorica, a tree native to the Canary and Azores Islands, with an upright, conical habit that can reach 20 m in height. Its leaves can also be used in cooking, but their aromatic properties are significantly weaker.

First and foremost, it is essential to distinguish bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), a member of the Lauraceae family, from the various bushes commonly referred to as laurels, as some are extremely toxic. Starting with the oleander (Nerium oleander), which boasts beautiful white, pink, salmon, orange or red flowers, but whose foliage is highly toxic, even deadly. Bay laurel also differs from the laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), from the Caprifoliaceae family, a bush with evergreen foliage and winter-flowering pinkish-white umbels. Its leaves, while non-toxic, are not edible. However, its berries are highly prized by birds. The Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a bush with evergreen foliage and spring-flowering white elongated clusters. Its leaves and berries are toxic to humans and pets. Finally, the cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a bushy shrub with large, narrow leaves. These last two laurels belong to the Rosaceae family.

From left to right, leaves and flowers of bay laurel, oleander, Portuguese laurel and cherry laurel

But let’s return to our bay laurel, also known by the vernacular names of sweet bay, true laurel or Apollo’s laurel! This last term allows us to open a historical chapter. Indeed, having arrived very early from Asia Minor, bay laurel became naturalised throughout the Mediterranean basin since antiquity. While the Greeks called it Daphne, this was in reference to the nymph of the same name, who, to escape Apollo’s advances and attentions, was transformed into a bush by her father Peneus, the river god. Apollo made it his tree, which became a symbol of triumph, as well as song and poetry.

Under the Roman Empire, bay laurel crowned the heads of triumphant generals, victors over their opponents. It became an allegory of victory, glory and triumph, also awarded during sporting competitions. Later, in the Middle Ages and the Modern Era, the laurel wreath continued to symbolise victory. It is also a symbol of academic success! The term “baccalaureate” actually derives from the Latin “bacca“, meaning berry, and “laurus” for bay laurel.

Bay laurel therefore belongs to the Lauraceae botanical family. Likely originating from Asia Minor, bay laurel still grows wild in Turkey, Syria, Spain, Portugal, Morocco… It is thus a bush or small tree associated with the Mediterranean basin that can reach 2 to 10 metres in height and 6 m in spread. However, with regular pruning, it is easy to limit its growth.

With a conical silhouette and a dense, wide columnar bushy habit, bay laurel is characterised by its numerous upright, flexible green branches and grey bark. It is a dioecious genus, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate plants. Thus, only female plants bear drupes.

The evergreen leaves of bay laurel, 5 to 10 cm long, are alternate, elliptical to lanceolate, penninerved, entire and slightly undulate on the smooth edges. Leathery, they display a dark, glossy green on the upper surface and a duller green underneath. The veins are slightly marked with yellow, the petioles reddish in hue. But this foliage is especially notable for its aromatic properties when crushed, which persist after drying.

Flowering occurs in spring, between March and April-May, depending on the region and climate. The flowers bloom on the current year’s stems. The pedunculate, involucrate umbels, grouped in small axillary clusters and composed of tiny unisexual flowers, range in colour from creamy white to buttery yellow. They are delicately fragrant. Each flower has 8 to 12 stamens in 2 ranks. The female flowers produce ellipsoid black drupes containing a single seed. These berries are highly prized by garden birds, which disperse their seeds as they forage.

Bay laurel flowers

The leaves and flowers of bay laurel contain essential oils, rich in aromatic and terpenic compounds, as well as alkaloids, particularly cineole and linalool. This is why the leaves have strong aromas that allow them to be used in bouquet garni or to flavour many sauces and dishes. They can also be infused. However, bay laurel wood emits a strong, acrid odour when burned.

Naturalised in the Mediterranean basin, bay laurel is resistant to drought and sea spray, but has only moderate hardiness. It can withstand frosts down to -12 °C to -16 °C, but only for short periods. In regions with recurrent frosts, it will suffer severe damage. However, it can regrow from the base in spring. That said, bay laurel has a rather slow growth rate.

Bay laurel adapts very well to planting and cultivation in large containers on a balcony or terrace.

Our favourite varieties

The genus Laurus nobilis includes several varieties or cultivars. For instance, Laurus nobilis ‘Augustifolia’ has slightly narrower and paler evergreen leaves compared to the standard variety. ‘Aurea’ stands out with its golden-yellow foliage, while Laurus nobilis var. crispa features narrow yet highly undulate leaves. As for Laurus nobilis ‘Undulata’, its foliage is deeply undulate and marginate with cream. A few cultivars have further enriched the range:

Our Most Interesting Varieties:

Laurus nobilis - Bay Laurel

This is the standard variety with highly aromatic evergreen foliage. Without pruning, it can reach up to 10 m in height

• Flowering time April to June
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Laurus nobilis Little Laura - Bay Laurel

This variety boasts greater hardiness (down to -15°C) and very light green foliage

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Laurus nobilis Little Ragu - Bay Laurel

This bay laurel variety stands out for its compact habit and smaller size, making it ideal for container growing. Its highly aromatic foliage is shaded with gold on red petioles when young

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Laurus nobilis Jerusalem - Bay Laurel

With rapid growth, this true laurel appeals to impatient gardeners. It is perfect for container cultivation

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

When, how and where to plant the bay laurel?

Growing bay laurel presents no real difficulties, provided you take care with its planting.

Where to plant it?

Due to its Mediterranean origins, bay laurel prefers warm situations. It should therefore be planted in full sun, in a spot well sheltered from cold northerly winds. Ideally, in regions north of Valence, planting against a south-facing wall suits it perfectly as it will be protected from frost there.

In regions with very hot and scorching summers, planting in partial shade will be preferable.

In terms of soil, bay laurel also has a few small requirements. It particularly likes loose, deep, light, dry and well-drained soils, preferably fertile. However, it can tolerate a touch of lime or slightly sandy soil. Given its origins, it accepts dry soils.

Ideally, soil previously enriched with compost and worked beforehand will make it thrive.

In pots, bay laurel should be planted in a sufficiently large and wide container, at least 50 cm in diameter, with drainage holes and lined with a layer of clay or gravel. The substrate should consist of a mixture of garden soil, compost and sand. Terracotta pots are preferable, as they are more breathable.

When to plant it?

Bay laurel can be planted in spring, after the last night frosts, or in autumn, before the severe cold and winter frosts.

How to plant it?

• Soak the root ball in a basin of water
• Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball
• Loosen the bottom of the hole and add some well-rotted compost or dehydrated manure to the excavated soil. If the soil is heavy, adding sand is also advisable
• Place the bay laurel’s root ball in the centre of the hole and backfill with the excavated soil
• Firm carefully to avoid air pockets and water thoroughly.

To learn more: How to grow bay laurel in the garden? Successful planting and care of bay laurel in pots or in the ground.

How to pair Laurus nobilis?

The bay laurel is relatively versatile since it will make just as much of an impact as a standalone feature in the middle of a short grass meadow as it will at the back of a flowerbed. Its dark green, glossy foliage will stand out beautifully among hardy geraniums and sneezeweeds, foxgloves, ground-cover roses, and purpletop vervains (Verbena bonariensis)… It will also find its place in a herb garden or aromatic border, surrounded by thyme, rosemary, and myrtles…

Aromatic garden with bay laurel, myrtle, thyme, and rosemary

The bay laurel is also well-suited to hedging, particularly in regions with a mild climate, paired with photinias, strawberry trees, or oleasters (Elaeagnus).

It tolerates regular and repeated pruning very well, making it an ideal choice for topiary enthusiasts as an alternative to boxwood. It is also very easy to train a bay laurel into a standard, whether in the ground or in a pot. Virginie explains how to train a bay laurel into a standard.

The care of the bay laurel

To ensure optimal growth and development of the bay laurel, some maintenance steps are necessary. However, this is a robust, vigorous bush that proves to be undemanding. It can even withstand periods of intense heat and drought without much trouble. It is also unaffected by sea spray.

Routine Care for Bay Laurel

Despite its tolerance for heat and drought, some watering is necessary in summer, at least for the first two years after planting. After that, it can manage on its own. To reduce watering frequency and keep the soil slightly cool, mulching is recommended, ideally with dried grass clippings. Planting small flowering perennials at its base adds an aesthetic touch while helping it cope with drought.

However, if the bay laurel is grown in a container, watering will need to be more regular. Be careful never to let water stagnate in the saucer or decorative pot.

In regions with harsh winters, a good layer of mulch at the base will help the bay laurel withstand frost. Adding a winter fleece is also recommended. The tips of the branches may occasionally freeze, but simply pruning them back will encourage new shoots in spring. The bay laurel’s worst enemy in winter is stagnant moisture, so it must be planted in well-drained soil.

Pruning Bay Laurel

With a bushy habit that can sometimes appear irregular, this bush requires regular pruning for aesthetic reasons. Similarly, pruning helps control the growth of this vigorous plant. Additionally, it naturally has a conical shape, making it easy to prune into columns, pyramids, spheres… much like boxwood. It can even be shaped into intricate animal or geometric topiaries.

Bay laurel trimmed into a sphere

Pruning is done twice a year: in late spring, around April or May, ideally after flowering (which, being melliferous, attracts many pollinating insects) and in late summer to early autumn, between August and October. Depending on the size of the bay laurel, pruning is done with pruning shears or a hedge trimmer. In spring, pruning involves removing damaged, dry, or dead branches, as well as shaping the bush as desired. In autumn, the year’s new shoots are shortened.

Diseases and Pests of Bay Laurel

Bay laurel is fairly resistant to the most common fungal diseases. Only sooty mould may affect it, but this usually results from an attack by aphids or scale insects, two parasitic pests to which bay laurel is susceptible.

However, the most widespread and damaging pest remains the bay sucker (Triosa alacris). These insects, quite similar to aphids, are sap-sucking pests. They pierce the foliage, which becomes covered in scabs, curls up, blisters and becomes deformed. The leaves eventually dry out. Bay suckers also hinder the proper development of young shoots.

To learn all about bay suckers: How to get rid of bay suckers? Prevention, control and natural treatments

The propagation of Laurus nobilis

Bay laurel can be propagated by sowing, by semi-ripe stem cuttings or by layering.

Sowing

Bay laurel produces black drupes containing a seed which should be exposed and washed. The seeds must then be stratified for at least 1 month, ideally 3 to 4 months in the refrigerator. Sow them at a depth of 0.5 cm in trays filled with turf or sowing compost, mixed with sand. Place the trays in a bright room at 20°C. Water regularly with a fine spray.

Bay laurel drupes

Germination occurs within 30 to 40 days. The young plants can then be potted into buckets before being planted out in spring.

Propagation by cuttings

Bay laurel stem cuttings are taken in July or August. Simply take 15 cm long semi-ripe stems from the current year’s growth and remove the lower leaves. Insert the stems into a mix of sowing compost and sand and keep at 20°C. After 2 to 3 months, transplant them into buckets and place in a room at 10 to 15°C throughout winter. The cuttings can be planted out in spring.

Layering

In spring, select a sucker about 50 cm from the base of the bay laurel. Remove the leaves and lightly score the stem where it will be buried (in previously prepared soil). Then simply bury the stem and secure it with a peg.

Once rooted, the cutting can be separated from the parent plant with a spade.

The harvest and consumption of the leaves

Bay leaves can be harvested as needed, preferably outside the flowering period. Allow two to three fresh leaves per dish to be added to the stock or sauce at the start of cooking. However, these leaves are not meant to be eaten and should be removed before serving.

You can also use dried leaves in your culinary preparations, which are just as aromatic. To dry bay leaves, pick a branch and hang it upside down in a well-ventilated, frost-free, and dark room. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight jar for several months, alongside thyme and rosemary to create the famous bouquet garni.

Dried leaves can also be infused. Use 4 dried leaves for 250 ml of boiled water and let steep for 10 minutes. This infusion has expectorant and antiseptic properties for sore throats or flu. It is also beneficial for digestion and stress relief.

Finally, bay laurel is one of the effective natural moth repellents: discover how to use it for this purpose.