Botanical  Name          :            Laurus nobilis

Alternative Names                       :            none known

Common Names(s)            :            Bay Tree, Sweet Bay,  Poet’s Laurel, Bay Laurel.

Description

An evergreen bush or small tree with glossy, pointed leaves, and dense foliage. 

Hardiness    

Fully hardy in the UK, but may suffer scorching in cold winds, in exposed situations.

Height/spread

Height after 10 years – 5 ft. Ultimate height as a tree 20ft or more, forming a dense evergreen spire, but generally lower and bushier in colder areas, and easily formed into shapes, and tolerant of drastic pruning. Easily maintained in patio pots as spires, spirals, or pompoms.

Soil Types

Suitable for all soil types, but growth rates may be slower on poorer soils and in exposed situations.

General

Bay Trees are native to Mediterranean areas, but have long been grown in northern areas, proving very hardy, and are generally naturalised in Southern England. This tree responds very well to clipping, and is ideal for topiary.  Also performs well as a hedge. The leaves have a pleasing aromatic smell when crushed, and are widely used, generally when dried, as a culinary herb, to flavour stews, sauces, and soups. In ancient times, the leaves were used to make “laurel” wreaths worn by sporting heroes, poets, and Roman Emperors!