Sweet bay
Laurus nobilis · Lauraceae
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⚠️ Feuilles et huiles essentielles peuvent provoquer vomissements, diarrhée ou abattement chez chiens et chats ; le risque augmente avec la quantité ingérée.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sweet bay and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Flowering
- March-April, small pale yellow flowers
- Mature size
- 3 m tall, dense shrubby form
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -10°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
- Soil type
- Well-draining, drought-tolerant
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Regular harvesting and use of leaves will keep it naturally compact. Very drought-tolerant once established.
The common mistake
Don't over-protect it at first frost: it tolerates -8°C just fine, and excessive covering promotes moisture and disease.
The pro's trick
Pinch back young shoots regularly (May-June) to form a dense bush rather than a leggy shrub.
Care
Exposure
Place your bay laurel in full sun or partial shade; it appreciates warmth and light. A sheltered location away from strong winds will enhance its beauty. It tolerates exposed positions well or can be grown in a pot on a sunny terrace.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote root establishment. Once established, bay laurel resists drought well and only needs watering during prolonged dry periods. In containers, water when the soil surface dries out.
Soil and planting
Prefer well-draining soil, even if poor or chalky. Avoid waterlogged soil which can cause rot. Enrich the planting hole with potting soil or compost, then mulch the base to retain moisture.
Pruning and harvesting
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary or aromatic use. Rejuvenating pruning every 3-4 years keeps the shrub dense and vigorous.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring, or add well-decomposed compost annually. Bay laurel is undemanding and often thrives on the soil's natural fertility.
Diseases and pests
Spider mites may colonize leaves in dry conditions: increase humidity or mist regularly. Scale insects are rare but possible: treat with mineral oil in winter if necessary. Excessive watering leads to root rot.
Did you know?
Bay laurel was sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans: they wove crowns from its leaves to honor poets, warriors, and emperors. Its scientific name Laurus nobilis reflects this historical nobility. Today, its aromatic leaves remain an indispensable classic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.