Laurus nobilis is a species of the Laurel family in which possesses an aromatic scent, with dark-green, glossy leaves- a stunning choice for both hedging and as a specimen plant.
About Bay Laurel Hedge Plants
The Laurus nobilis is well-known for its culinary uses, whether that is dried or straight off the bush in the garden. Not only will it fill your garden with a wonderful aromatic fragrance, but it will also bring year-round privacy to your garden. It also provides pale-yellow flowers from March through to May, following with dark berries during Autumn, adding that extra bit of seasonal style and colour.
The Bay Laurel will grow around 10-20cm per year and will easily be maintained at 1-2m. It is a lovely low maintenance hedging plant with many useful attributes.
Key Features
Your Bay Laurel will thrive best in a sunny position, and in normal soil. It can easily tolerate a coastal site but make sure you shelter it from any strong winds, as well as giving it stem protection during the cold weather. Aside from this, Laurus nobilis is rather drought tolerant and does well in hot weather due to originating from the Mediterranean heritage.
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Growth height: Slow (10-20cm per year)
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Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
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Soil Type: Normal
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Exposure: Inland, Sheltered
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Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
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Evergreen foliage? Yes
Pruning & Care
In terms of pruning your Bay Laurel, it‰ۡó»s rather simple, and all it should need is a light trim during the Summer in order to keep it to shape- if you have a large bush, ensure there are no birds nesting first.
How To Plant Bay Laurel
When should I plant Bay Laurel hedging?
The best time to plant Bay Laurel is at the beginning of spring, whilst the plants are still semi-dormant, and the danger of frost has passed. It will also help the plants to settle down and develop before summer, by doing so.
How far apart do you plant Bay Laurel plants?
We recommend planting around 60-90cm apart, depending on how quickly you are wanting the hedge to establish. Please bear in mind, this does also depend on the size of the plant purchased, and the pot size it is in (generally, the rule of thumb is that the larger the plant, the bigger the gap required).
How to plant Bay Laurel:
Begin by choosing a spot that gets either full sun or partial shade. Then dig a hole that's at least twice as wide, but the same depth, and add plenty of compost/organic matter to the backfill soil. We also recommend sprinkling some RootGrow or bone meal onto the bottom of the hole at this point, but it is not compulsory.
Place the plant into the hole and backfill with the soil mic, patting down gently as you go along, to secure the plant. Finish off by watering the plant very well and continuing to water at least 2 or 3 times a week for 1-2 years after planting.̴Ì?
On top of watering, we highly recommend fertilising the plant during spring and summer, in the following years, using After Plant Evergreen fertiliser.