Laurus nobilis Little Laura - Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis 'Little Laura' 'Dan 17' is a selection of female bay trees that are more hardy, have a denser habit and smaller leaves than the wild form. Its evergreen foliage, very aromatic, comes alive in the spring with young leaves of a very bright light green. Decorative even in winter, this aromatic foliage is also used in cooking, in a bouquet garni or to flavour stews and other sauce dishes. It is also an excellent hedge plant, very adaptable, resistant to heat and drought, and tolerates pruning well. Even if its hardiness can be found wanting in very cold climates, this bay tree is also capable of regrowing from the stump. It can also be cultivated in a large container for its classic elegance.

The Bay tree, or Noble Laurel - Laurus nobilis in Latin - belongs to the Lauraceae family. It is a large bush or small tree native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia Minor, where it favours open, dry and hot situations. The evergreen foliage is very aromatic and has long been used to make a bouquet garni of herbs, along with thyme, rosemary and others, to add flavour and scent to cooked dishes. Between March and April the bay tree produces small yellowish-green flowers which will produce small, inedible black berries on the female plants (in the appropriate climate).

'Little Laura' is a relatively compact variety: while the wild species can exceed 8 m (26 ft) height in a suitable climate, this one will not grow more than 4 m (13 ft) high and about 2 m (6 ft) wide. The young foliage of 'Little Laura', carried on reddish stems, is of a beautiful light green at budding, then darkens until it takes the dark green colour typical of the species. The leaves are also smaller than in the wild type, but just as aromatic.

The 'Little Laura' Bay tree is capable of enduring dry and hot periods without flinching. Its hardiness is good, estimated around -15°C for a well-established plant. At worst, the plant will lose its branches and regrow from the stump (which also allows it to be occasionally cut back). Ideal in gardens with a Mediterranean or exotic feel, the bay tree 'Little Laura' will provide a colourful backdrop for your flower beds. It can even serve as an evergreen hedge, with laurustinus, photinias and elaeagnus for example. In a container, it will dress up your terrace or balcony while allowing you to enjoy its aroma!