EverythingPlants.co.uk

Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree (Laurus 'Nobilis' Tree)

The Bay Laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) is a versatile evergreen valued for its glossy foliage, aromatic leaves and naturally elegant shape. Also known as Sweet Bay or True Laurel, this Mediterranean evergreen works well as an ornamental tree, container plant, hedge or topiary feature.
In the UK, a bay laurel tree is particularly useful for adding year-round structure to gardens, patios and courtyards. It prefers a sheltered position with good drainage and can be maintained at a manageable size through regular pruning.

Slow Growth Rate
Yellow Flowers
Evergreen
Berries
Plant Guarantee

Planting Conditions: Bay Laurel grows best in full sun or partial shade with well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can adapt to loamy and sandy soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Once established, a Laurus nobilis tree has reasonable drought tolerance, although newly planted trees should be watered regularly during dry periods. In colder or exposed parts of the UK, choose a sheltered position and consider growing younger plants in containers so they can be protected during severe frosts.
Growth Rate: Bay Laurel is relatively slow growing. Depending on growing conditions and how regularly it is pruned, it can eventually reach around 3–7 metres in height, while regular trimming allows it to be maintained at a much smaller size.
12 Month Guarantee On All Plants: Buy with confidence knowing your plant is covered by our 12 Month Guarantee.

Select Root Type:

Select Size & Quantity

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Plants Quantity
	Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 5L 1/4 Std	Regular price £39.25 Sale price £39.25 Regular price Unit price per
	Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 9L 125/150cm	Regular price £59.25 Sale price £59.25 Regular price ~~£52.10~~ Unit price per
	Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 18L 1/2 Std	Regular price £114.95 Sale price £114.95 Regular price ~~£137.67~~ Unit price per

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Pallet Quantity
	Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 9L 125/150cm (x14) Multi-deal	Regular price £725.50 Sale price £725.50 Regular price ~~£635.88~~ Unit price per
	Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 18L 1/2 Std (x8) Multi-deal	Regular price £827.64 Sale price £827.64 Regular price ~~£930.00~~ Unit price per
	Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 5L 1/4 Std (x40) Multi-deal	Regular price £1,440.00 Sale price £1,440.00 Regular price ~~£1,429.88~~ Unit price per

✔ UK Grown Plants

✔ 12 Month Guarantee On All Plants

✔ Secure Checkout

✔ Expert Plant Advice

✔ Fresh Nursery Stock

✔ Thousands of Happy Customers

✔ Carefully Packed For Safe Delivery

✔ Fast Dispatch Across The UK

Bay Laurel Ornamental Tree Description

The Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an evergreen ornamental tree that combines practical uses with year-round garden appeal. Its dense, dark green foliage creates a strong architectural presence, while its naturally upright growth makes it suitable for formal and informal planting schemes.

A Laurus nobilis tree can be grown as a feature plant, in a container on a patio or terrace, or incorporated into a hedge or screening scheme. Its ability to tolerate pruning also makes it suitable for creating structured shapes and topiary.

The leathery leaves remain green throughout the year and release a distinctive aromatic fragrance when crushed. Small yellow-green flowers may appear in spring, followed by dark berries on female plants when a suitable male plant is nearby. These seasonal features add further interest without taking away from the tree's evergreen character.

For smaller gardens, patios and courtyards, keeping a bay laurel tree in a container provides greater control over its size and position. In larger gardens, it can be planted directly into the ground where it has sufficient room to develop.

Pruning Advice

Regular pruning is one of the best ways to control the size and shape of a bay laurel tree. It responds well to trimming and can be shaped into a neat rounded specimen, formal hedge or decorative topiary.

For general maintenance, remove unwanted, damaged or crossing branches and lightly trim new growth to maintain the desired outline. Late spring, once fresh growth has developed, is a suitable time for more substantial shaping. Light trimming can also be carried out later in the growing season when necessary.

If you are growing Laurus nobilis as a topiary or formal feature, frequent light trimming is generally preferable to occasional severe cuts.

Avoid heavy pruning immediately before periods of severe frost, particularly for plants growing in exposed areas.

When harvesting leaves for culinary use, select healthy mature leaves rather than removing large sections of the plant at once. This allows the tree to retain its attractive shape while providing a useful supply of fresh foliage.

Further Information

Evergreen Structure: The glossy foliage of the bay laurel tree provides colour and structure throughout the year, making it useful for gardens that need consistent greenery during the colder months.

Ornamental Appeal: Its dense foliage and ability to be shaped make Laurus nobilis suitable for formal gardens, entrances, patios, courtyards and topiary displays.

Culinary Use: Bay leaves are widely used to add depth and aroma to soups, stews, sauces and marinades. Leaves can be used fresh or dried, although they should be removed from dishes before serving.

Container Growing: A bay laurel can be successfully grown in a large container with good drainage. Container growing is particularly useful where space is limited or additional winter protection may be needed.

Hedging and Screening: With its dense evergreen foliage and tolerance of clipping, Bay Laurel can be incorporated into low or medium-height formal hedging and screening schemes.

Wildlife Interest: Mature plants may produce small flowers that can provide a source of nectar for insects, while berries produced on suitable plants can contribute to the seasonal food supply available to garden wildlife.

Position and Protection: Although established plants can tolerate periods of dry weather, a sheltered position helps protect Bay Laurel from strong winds and severe winter conditions. Good drainage is especially important during colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bay Laurel suitable for growing in the UK?

Yes. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) can grow successfully in many parts of the UK when planted in well-drained soil and a sheltered position. In areas exposed to severe frost or strong winds, container growing can make winter protection easier.

Can a Bay Laurel tree be grown in a pot?

Yes. Bay Laurel is well suited to container growing. Choose a sturdy container with adequate drainage and use a well-draining growing medium. Container-grown plants should be watered when needed during dry weather and monitored more closely during winter.

How quickly does a Bay Laurel tree grow?

Bay Laurel is generally a slow-growing evergreen. Its growth rate depends on factors such as sunlight, soil conditions, watering and pruning. Regular trimming can also be used to maintain a compact size rather than allowing the tree to reach its full potential height.

Why are the leaves on my Bay Laurel turning brown?

Brown leaves can have several causes, including frost damage, drought, waterlogged roots or exposure to harsh winds. Check the soil moisture and drainage first, and avoid allowing the roots to remain consistently wet. Damaged foliage can be removed once the cause has been addressed.

When is the best time to plant a Bay Laurel tree?

Bay Laurel can generally be planted when the ground is workable, but spring and early autumn are particularly useful planting periods. These seasons provide milder conditions that allow the roots to establish before periods of summer heat or winter cold.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders, excluding Premium Products, where the minimum spend criteria for the relevant packaging type are met. Tall plants, pallet deliveries and other specialist deliveries are identified with icons on the relevant product listings.

Standard Sized Boxes: Bare root plants up to 1.2m and pots up to 7.5L. Free UK Mainland Delivery on orders over £100, or £7.99 delivery charge.

Tall Sized Boxes: Bare root plants 1.2m and over. Free UK Mainland Delivery on orders over £100, or £14.99 delivery charge.

Pallets: Root balls, large pots of 10L+ and trees. Free UK Mainland Delivery on orders over £350, or £60 delivery charge.

Pleached Trees: Specialist delivery. Free UK Mainland Delivery on orders over £1,500, or £450 delivery charge

If you can't see what you need, call our team!

Tel. 0330 236 7330

email: sales@everythingplants.co.uk

Our team of qualified horticulturalists are ready to help you find your perfect plants.

With over 30+ years in the horticultural industry, Bannister Hall is an award winning UK plants nursery. We are trusted growers and online retailers of everything plants including topiary, trees, hedges, and shrubs, supplying outdoor plants nationwide to homeowners, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, local authorities, the NHS, landscaping designers, gardeners, contractors, and property developers. From our three privately owned British plants nurseries we offer specialist nationwide delivery of high quality plants at unbeatable prices. Our nurseries can be visited by everyone and you can also shop here online choosing from over 40,000 plant species. We are fully DEFRA compliant and approved by the national 'Plant Healthy Scheme'. Buy Hedges, Trees, Plants & Shrubs Direct Online with Free Delivery and 12 months plants guarantee- Tel. 0330 236 7330.