How Tall Can Your Bay Laurel Plant Grow? Factors that Affect Height

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a popular evergreen shrub that is prized for its aromatic leaves. This Mediterranean native is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. If you’re growing bay laurel you may be wondering just how tall it can get. The maximum height of your bay laurel plant depends on several key factors.

Variety

There are many different varieties of bay laurel, and some stay more compact while others become quite leggy and tall. Common varieties include

• Laurus nobilis ‘Saratoga’ – The most popular variety, can reach up to 30 feet in ideal conditions but typically maxes out around 6 feet in containers.

• Laurus nobilis ‘Aurea’ – Has chartreuse foliage and grows up to 10 feet tall

• Laurus nobilis ‘Undulata’ – Wavy edged leaves and can exceed 20 feet.

• Laurus nobilis ‘Angustifolia’ – Narrow leaves and a dwarf variety under 3 feet.

So the first factor determining the height of your bay laurel is the particular variety that you select. The dwarf cultivars will stay under 3-5 feet, while full sized varieties can potentially reach 30 feet.

Age

The age of your bay laurel plant is another critical factor. Young saplings will be much smaller than mature, established plants. It takes time for bay laurel to grow thick stems and reach its full height potential. You can expect your plant to grow steadily each year. With proper care, an older plant can achieve heights over 15 feet. Be patient, as your young plant still has room to grow taller over time.

Growing Conditions

To reach its maximum height, bay laurel requires optimal growing conditions. This means plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, adequate water, and proper fertilization. Here are the key conditions to promote vertical growth:

• Sunlight – Bay laurel thrives in full sun. At least 8 hours of direct sun per day is best. With insufficient light, it can become leggy and stunted.

• Soil – Well-draining soil is crucial. Standing water leads to root rot. Add organic matter like compost to improve drainage. Proper pH between 5.5-7.5.

• Water – Consistent watering when top inch of soil dries out. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilizer – Feed in early spring and summer with balanced organic fertilizer.

If your plant lacks proper sun, drainage, water, or nutrients, its growth will be limited. Meeting all of its needs is key for maximum height.

Container vs. In-Ground

Bay laurel grown in containers generally will not reach the towering heights of in-ground plants. The restricted root space of pots suppresses vertical growth. Plus, container plants must be moved indoors in cold climates, limiting their exposure to sunlight.

If your goal is maximum height, plant your bay laurel directly in the ground. Choose a site with plenty of space for the roots to spread deeply and widely. Container-grown bay can still grow nicely but will likely stay under 6-8 feet tall.

Climate

Bay laurel prefers warm Mediterranean climates. In ideal conditions, it is hardy to USDA zone 8 and can reach 30 feet. In colder climates, bay laurel is often grown in containers and wintered indoors. This climate restriction also limits its height potential. If you live in an area with freezing winters, expect your container-grown plant to max out around 5-6 feet tall.

Pruning and Shaping

Finally, judicious pruning and shaping impacts height. You can maintain your bay laurel at a shorter height through pruning. Topping encourages bushiness over height. Frequent pruning also helps when growing bay in containers.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tree shape, allow your plant to grow vertically by pruning only lightly. Thinning cuts are better than heading cuts for achieving a tall shape.

By considering all of these factors, you can determine the maximum height your specific bay laurel plant can attain. Variety, age, growing conditions, climate, and pruning all play key roles. With a mature, in-ground ‘Saratoga’ in zone 8, you may see 30 feet. A young ‘Undulata’ in a pot in zone 5 may top out around 4 feet. Monitor your plant and provide optimal care for the tallest bay laurel possible.