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Laurus spp.

bay laurel

Lauraceae

Mediterranean region and Macaronesia

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Laurus is a genus of two evergreen shrubs or small trees in the family Lauraceae, native to the Mediterranean region and Macaronesia. L. nobilis, the bay laurel, forms a dense, conical shrub or tree 10-40 feet (3-12 m) tall, though it is usually kept much smaller by pruning; L. azorica of the Atlantic islands is similar but larger-leaved. The leathery, glossy dark green leaves are lance-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, and release a warm, spicy aroma when crushed, the source of the culinary bay leaf. Plants are usually dioecious, with separate male and female trees. Small, pale yellow flowers open in clusters along the stems in spring, and female plants bear glossy black berries about 0.5 inch (1 cm) long in autumn. The genus grows in woodland, scrub, and along watercourses in mild, frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. L. nobilis tolerates clipping into hedges, standards, and topiary, but hard frost browns the foliage and cold winds can scorch exposed plants.

Native Range

Laurus spp. is native to the Mediterranean Basin and Macaronesia, with L. nobilis ranging around the Mediterranean and L. azorica native to the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Plants grow in woodland, scrub, and moist ravines in mild climates.

Suggested Uses

Laurus spp. is grown as a culinary herb, a clipped hedge or topiary, and a container or courtyard specimen, and the dried leaves are used in cooking. In mild climates it serves as an evergreen screen or windbreak.

How to Identify

Look for an evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, glossy, lance-shaped dark green leaves that smell spicy when crushed. Clusters of small pale yellow flowers appear along the stems in spring, and female plants carry glossy black berries in autumn. The aromatic foliage and dense, conical evergreen form identify Laurus spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 40'

Width/Spread8' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Laurus spp. flowers in spring, generally April through May, with small, pale yellow flowers clustered in the leaf axils. Male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants, so berries form only on female trees near a pollinator. The flowers are inconspicuous against the foliage.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Laurus spp. in full sun to part shade on fertile, well-drained soil, with shelter from cold, drying winds. It tolerates a range of soils and some drought once established but responds to steady summer moisture with fuller growth. In climates colder than about USDA zone 8 it is grown in containers moved under cover for winter, as hard frost browns or kills the foliage. Feed container plants through the growing season and refresh the topsoil yearly. Established plants regrow from the base after cold damage.

Pruning

Prune Laurus spp. in late spring and summer to shape hedges, standards, and topiary; it tolerates repeated clipping and resprouts from old wood. Cut frost-damaged stems back to live growth in late spring once new shoots appear. Container plants are trimmed to keep a compact form.