The bay laurel plant (Laurus nobilis) is a versatile evergreen shrub that can enhance any outdoor space. With its handsome foliage and aromatic qualities, bay laurel makes a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes. Growing bay laurel successfully outdoors relies on providing the right conditions and care. Follow these key outdoor growing tips to get the most out of your bay laurel plant.
Optimal Outdoor Growing Conditions
Bay laurel thrives best when grown outdoors in conditions that mimic its Mediterranean homeland, Here are the ideal requirements
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Sunlight Bay laurel needs full sun to partial shade Provide a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is particularly important.
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Soil Well-draining soil is crucial Bay laurel is prone to root rot in wet soils. Incorporate compost into native soil to improve drainage. Ideal pH is 55-6.5.
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Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 8-10. Does best in warm climates from 60-75°F. Cover or bring indoors if temperatures drop below 25°F.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water 1-2 times per week during dry periods. Drought tolerant once established.
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Space: Allow 6-10 feet diameter space for growth. Can reach 20 feet tall and wide when mature.
When choosing the planting site, look for a spot in full sun or light afternoon shade. Make sure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Bay laurel can handle partial shade but growth will be reduced.
Planting Your Bay Laurel Outdoors
Bay laurel can be planted in the ground or in containers outdoors. Here are tips for both:
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In ground: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with native soil. Build a berm around the edge to hold water. Mulch with 2-3 inches of wood chips.
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Container: Use a 12-15 inch diameter container with drainage holes. Use well-draining potting mix and plant at the same level as the nursery pot. Move containers to protect from extreme cold.
The ideal planting time is in early spring after the last frost. This gives the roots time to establish before hot summer weather arrives. Provide regular irrigation for the first few months until it adapts.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
To keep your outdoor bay laurel thriving, practice proper care all year:
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Watering: Water 1-2 times per week in dry periods during the growing season. Reduce in winter but don’t allow soil to completely dry out.
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Fertilizer: Feed every 6-8 weeks during spring through summer with balanced organic fertilizer. Don’t fertilize after September.
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Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring to shape and remove dead wood. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Pests: Watch for signs of scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Remove by hand or use neem oil.
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Protection: Cover or bring containers indoors if temperatures drop below 25°F. Mulch roots in winter.
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Soil: Replenish mulch annually. Repot container plants every 2-3 years in fresh potting mix.
Routine pruning, fertilization, pest monitoring and protection from temperature extremes will keep bay laurel looking its best. Proper soil care will also prevent many issues.
Uses for Outdoor Bay Laurel Plants
Beyond a culinary herb, bay laurel serves multiple functions in outdoor garden design:
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Hedges and screening – Responds well to pruning into formal hedge shapes or left more natural. Provides excellent privacy screening.
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Specimen planting – Striking focal point for garden beds, entryways, against architectural elements. Allow space to grow into full form.
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Containers – Handsome addition to decorative pots by itself or mixed with annuals and perennials. Great for patios and decks.
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Topiary – Easily trained into geometric forms, spheres, pyramids, cubes, spirals. Makes a statement in the landscape.
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Borders and beds – Mix into ornamental beds, veggie gardens, and landscape borders for beautiful contrast. Pairs well with roses and perennials.
Let bay laurel shine by giving it plenty of space in the garden. Avoid planting under roof overhangs or against structures. The architectural shape and intense aroma make it a wonderful addition.
Growing Bay from Cuttings
You can also propagate new bay laurel plants from cuttings:
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Take 6-8 inch cuttings from new spring growth. Cut just below a leaf node.
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Remove lower leaves and dip end in rooting hormone powder.
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Plant in a sterile potting mix like perlite and peat.
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Cover with plastic to retain humidity and place in indirect light.
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Keep soil moist and provide bottom heat of 70°F until roots develop.
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Harden off and transplant outside after last frost.
Take cuttings in spring or early summer from the tender new growth and provide warm, humid conditions for the best rooting results.
Enjoying Your Thriving Outdoor Bay Laurels
With the proper growing conditions and care, bay laurel makes a beautiful addition to gardens, containers, and landscapes. Its handsome evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and its leaves add aroma and flavor to your cooking. Give your outdoor bay laurel plants the right site, occasional pruning, and protection from temperature swings and you’ll have this lovely Mediterranean shrub thriving in your yard.
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Growing Bay Laurel in a Container
Bay laurel can be grown in its own pot year round if kept well pruned. This option makes it a little easier on you when the cooler season arrives and it’s time to move your plant indoors.
Look for a container thats at least 5 gallons to give the roots plenty of space.
Container-grown plants wont grow as large as those in your landscape, but if you’ve ever bought a little jar of bay laurel leaves from the grocery store, you already know that starting even with a small bush is totally worth it.
Bay laurel needs at least 6 hours of sun a day to thrive. Plant it on the southern side of your home or in an open area where it can receive a good amount of unobstructed sunlight each day.
Bay Laurel Tree Care
Beyond moving this plant indoors as the seasons demand, theres not too much to do as far as tending your bay laurel plant.
Bay laurel is one of the least demanding herbs in terms of water. Water the base of the plant, not the leaves, when the soil feels dry 1 to 2 inches down. Youll obviously need to water more frequently if your herb is in a container than in the ground or a raised bed.
Youll know youre not watering enough if the leaves turn brown, get crunchy, or simply drop to the ground. Youll know youre watering too much if the leaves turn yellow.
When your leaves are a vibrant green, standing tall and holding their structure, this is a sign that your watering is just right.
Bay laurel is so slow-growing that it wont need many additional nutrients if its growing in the ground or in great soil in a raised bed. Potted bay laurels can benefit from occasional doses of nitrogen to encourage more leafy growth. You can do this simply by pouring in a little extra nitrogen liquid when watering or spritzing the leaves with this liquid.
How to Grow Bay Leaves (Bay Laurel) – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
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