Bay Laurel Plant Care

Bay Laurel (Laurus novocanariensis) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Laurus genus. Bay Laurel is also known as Canary Laurel.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bay Laurel 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 thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Bay Laurel 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 is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 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 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 is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bay Laurel can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bay laurel tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bay Laurel 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 grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Bay Laurel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.