Bay Laurel Tree Plant Care

Bay Laurel Tree (Laurus nobilis) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Laurus genus. Bay Laurel Tree is native to the Mediterranean region. Bay Laurel Tree is also known as Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Sweet Bay.

Bay Laurel Tree displays a tall, pyramidal tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Bay Laurel Tree produces small yellow-green flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bay Laurel Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bay Laurel Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Laurus nobilis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Bay Laurel Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Bay Laurel Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bay Laurel Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bay Laurel Tree is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bay Laurel Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Bay Laurel Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Bay Laurel Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Bay Laurel Tree can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bay Laurel Tree is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bay Laurel Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Bay Laurel Tree is native to the Mediterranean region.