Bay laurel Laurus nobilis - Hardy plant

Laurus nobilis grows best in the ground. Make sure the Laurus nobilis root ball is soaked well – place the shrub in a bucket of luke-warm water prior to planting. Prepare a wide hole and loosen the soil with a fork. Plant at the same depth as it was in the nursery container – the top of your Bay Laurel root ball should be just slightly below ground level. Refill the hole with soil and press firmly down. Water immediately after planting. Laurus nobilis thrives in not too dry humus-rich soil. Improve your garden soil by mixing in some compost and well rotted manure. The Bay tree prefers a spot in full sun or partial shade. The Laurus nobilis will also be happy planted in a large pot on your patio or decking, but you must make sure that it has adequate drainage. Laurus nobilis in the garden The beautiful Laurus nobils is suitable for every type of garden, planted as a solitary plant or in a border. Also at home in a 'green' garden with ‘Box’ hedges. It can easily be shaped into a fabulous pyramid column that will look great surrounded by ‘Box’ hedging.

Although Laurus nobilis is tolerant to drought, it is advisable to give extra water in dry periods, as there may be a danger of it losing its leaves, but water less during the winter. Every winter or early spring apply a mulch of garden compost and well rotted manure. The Bay tree can be pruned to any height or width to suit your garden. It can be pruned into shape twice a year: 1st time in the spring and the 2nd time in summer. Spring is the time for any hard pruning and shaping, and summer more for trimming. Always use sharpe secateurs for pruning your Bay tree. Bay Laurel is not hardy in all regions and will need protection from frost! Store potted Bay Laurel indoors in a frost-free shed, garage or passageway. It will be perfectly happy outside as long as there are no signs of frost.

Bay Laurel has been cultivated since ancient times. The Bay leaf wreath of Julius Ceasar's is of course well known: the Romans as well as the ancient Greeks were great herbalists. Bay Leaf was used by the Greeks as medicine for various illnesses. Twigs of Bay were depicted on buildings everywhere, as protection from evil. The Romans considered Bay Laurel to be a symbol of wisdom and victory. Originally from Turkey, Bay Laurel therefore spread through the whole of Southern Europe.