Bay Laurel Hedge (Laurus nobilis)

Bay Laurel Hedging Description

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a popular evergreen hedge plant, known for its aromatic, glossy green leaves and dense growth habit. Often used in formal gardens, this hardy shrub provides year-round structure and a touch of Mediterranean charm. Its foliage is not only attractive but also commonly used in cooking, making it a practical addition to any garden. Bay Laurel can be grown as a hedge, screen, or even shaped into topiary.

Bay Laurel has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically growing 30 to 60 centimetres per year. It can eventually reach heights of 3 to 5 metres if left unpruned, but regular trimming keeps it manageable at any desired height. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It is also tolerant of drought once established, making it a low-maintenance option for many garden settings.

Benefits

Bay Laurel offers several benefits as a hedge plant. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent privacy and wind protection, making it an ideal choice for screens or garden boundaries. The aromatic leaves can be harvested for culinary use, adding a practical element to the hedge. Bay Laurel is also highly resistant to pests and diseases and is tolerant of both coastal conditions and urban pollution. Additionally, it responds well to pruning, allowing for easy shaping and maintenance.

Pruning Advice

Pruning Bay Laurel is straightforward, and it should be trimmed once or twice a year to maintain its shape and promote dense growth. The best times to prune are in late spring and late summer. Use sharp shears to trim back any overgrown or misshapen areas, and remove any dead or damaged branches. Bay Laurel can also be clipped into formal shapes or left to grow naturally for a softer, informal look. Avoid pruning too late in the year, as new growth may be damaged by frost.

With its attractive foliage, year-round coverage, and culinary benefits, Bay Laurel is an excellent choice for a stylish, functional, and low-maintenance hedge.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per metre in a single row or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.