Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree (Laurus 'Nobilis' Tree)

Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Description

The Bay Laurel, also known as the Sweet Bay or True Laurel, is an evergreen ornamental tree that is both visually appealing and practical. Known for its aromatic, leathery, dark green leaves, this versatile tree is often used in herb gardens, as a decorative container plant, or shaped into topiary forms. Typically growing to 4–8 metres (13–26 feet) when left untrimmed, Bay Laurel is ideal for gardens of any size, as its growth can be easily managed with pruning. With its Mediterranean origins, the tree brings an air of elegance and structure to any landscape.

Bay Laurel’s foliage is glossy, dark green, and fragrant, making it an attractive feature in both ornamental and kitchen gardens. It produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring, which are followed by dark purple, olive-like berries in autumn if both male and female trees are present. The leaves can be harvested year-round for culinary use and provide structure and greenery throughout winter, making it a valuable evergreen addition.

Pruning Advice

Bay Laurel responds very well to pruning and can be trimmed throughout the growing season to maintain shape and size. For a more formal appearance, prune in late spring after new growth appears, or in early autumn. Light pruning is sufficient to encourage bushier growth and keep the tree compact.

To create a topiary or formal hedge, regular light trimming will maintain its shape, but avoid heavy pruning in winter as this can leave the tree vulnerable to frost damage. Removing any dead or damaged branches helps keep the tree healthy and visually appealing. Regularly harvest leaves as needed, which naturally keeps the tree’s shape tidy.

Further Information

Ornamental Value: Bay Laurel’s rich, dark green foliage and upright growth habit make it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or shaping into topiaries, adding structure and elegance to the garden.

Culinary Use: The leaves of the Bay Laurel are a popular herb, adding aromatic flavour to soups, stews, and marinades. Fresh or dried, they bring both fragrance and taste to the kitchen.

Air Purifying and Aromatic: Bay leaves emit a pleasant aroma, making the tree a natural air freshener in outdoor areas, patios, or indoor spaces when used as a potted plant.

Wildlife Support: The small flowers attract pollinators, and the berries provide food for birds, supporting local wildlife.

Versatility: Bay Laurel is highly adaptable, growing well in containers, borders, or as a standard tree, and it can tolerate clipping and shaping, making it ideal for a range of landscape designs.

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.