Bay Laurel

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10-15 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10 Feet

Growing Zones

4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors

Bay Laurel brings classic, culinary charm to patios and gardens with polished, evergreen foliage and a naturally tidy form. Harvest aromatic leaves year-round to elevate soups and sauces while enjoying a refined, Mediterranean look in any space. It’s versatile, long-lived, and easy to style as a small tree, hedge, or topiary.

This compact evergreen thrives in containers and adapts well to pruning. New reddish stems and small spring flowers add subtle seasonal interest, while the dense canopy provides structure in formal or modern designs. Indoors or out, it delivers beauty with a practical bonus: fresh bay leaves on demand.

Bay Laurel Care

Provide 6–8 hours of sun; light afternoon shade is helpful in hot-summer regions. Plant in well-drained loam or a premium potting mix; target pH 6.0–7.5 and avoid waterlogged spots. Water when the top 1–2 inches are dry, then soak thoroughly and let excess drain. Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer; in containers, supplement with a light liquid feed every 6–8 weeks through late summer.

Prune after the spring flush or again in late summer to maintain shape; remove dead or crossing wood anytime. Hardy outdoors in Zones 8–10; in colder zones, grow in a container and overwinter in a bright, cool room above 40°F. For culinary use, harvest from Laurus nobilis only and remove whole leaves before serving.

Bay Laurel Spacing

Specimen: allow 3–5 feet of width and plant 3–5 feet from paths or walls for airflow and pruning access. Hedge: space 24–36 inches on center; trim lightly 2–3 times per growing season for a dense, formal edge.

Containers: start with a 12–16 inch wide pot, upsizing to 18–20 inches as roots fill; ensure large drainage holes and use pot feet or a riser. Place outdoor containers 2–3 feet from sunny walls; indoors, set 1–2 feet from a south or west window and rotate monthly for even growth. Young standards may need a single stake their first windy season.

Why Grow Bay Laurel?

• Fresh, aromatic leaves for everyday cooking, right at your doorstep
• Evergreen structure and tidy, upright habit for year-round polish
• Adaptable to hedges, standards, and topiary forms in beds or containers
• Low-maintenance routine with simple pruning and moderate watering
• Compact, container-friendly size that suits patios, balconies, and entryways

Invite a classic standout that elevates both your cooking and your patio style. Bay Laurel serves up structure, aroma, and fresh flavor in a single, low-maintenance plant.