Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
Edible • Evergreen • Hardy & Versatile
Bay Laurel is a classic evergreen herb tree grown for its fragrant leaves and strong structural presence in the garden. Tough, tidy, and long-lived, it performs well in a wide range of conditions and is ideal for lifestyle blocks wanting both beauty and function. Its aromatic leaves are a kitchen essential, and the plant itself makes an excellent hedge, screen, or feature tree.
Despite its Mediterranean origins, Bay Laurel handles NZ conditions well — including wind, coastal exposure, and poorer soils — provided drainage is reasonable. It grows slowly but steadily, forming a dense, glossy canopy that can be shaped into a hedge, kept as a compact shrub, or allowed to develop into a small tree. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and very long lived.
If you want an attractive evergreen that’s edible, tidy, and versatile, Bay Laurel is one of the best small trees you can plant.
Despite its Mediterranean origins, Bay Laurel handles NZ conditions well — including wind, coastal exposure, and poorer soils — provided drainage is reasonable. It grows slowly but steadily, forming a dense, glossy canopy that can be shaped into a hedge, kept as a compact shrub, or allowed to develop into a small tree. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and very long lived.
If you want an attractive evergreen that’s edible, tidy, and versatile, Bay Laurel is one of the best small trees you can plant.
Current Stock approx 40cm, in PB2 bags (1.2L)
NEARLY SOLD OUT
Quick Facts:
Growth Rate: Slow to moderateMature Height: 3–7m (can be kept much smaller with pruning)Form: Dense, upright, glossy evergreenFoliage: Deep green, aromatic leaves used in cookingEvergreen: YesHardiness: Wind, coastal, drought once establishedSoils: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates clay if planted high/moundedSun: Full sun to part shadeMaintenance: Low — prune to shape or maintain hedge form
Why We Recommend It
- Provides year-round greenery and structure
- Valuable edible leaves for everyday cooking
- Excellent in mixed edible gardens, herb guilds, and Mediterranean-style plantings
- Can be shaped into hedges, balls, standards, or natural form
- Handles tough conditions once established
- Long-lived and very low maintenance
- Great companion near kitchens, patios, and outdoor living spaces
Best Uses
- Edible herb tree (culinary bay leaves)
- Evergreen screening or hedging
- Formal gardens and structural planting
- Pots and container growing
- Low-maintenance landscape feature
- Coastal and windy sites (if drainage is good)
Planting & Care
Plant in full sun or light shade in a well-drained spot. If you have clay soils, mound the planting area to improve drainage. Water during establishment, then reduce watering — Bay Laurel prefers slightly dry conditions. Prune annually to maintain shape or hedge form. Pick leaves as needed; dried leaves intensify in flavour.