Bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree native to the Mediterranean area, best known for its leaves which are widely used as a kitchen seasoning. Pointed oval leaves are deep, glossy green with a leathery texture and have little aroma either fresh or dried. But when added to cooking liquids bay leaf releases essential oils that add a peppery, minty and slightly bitter flavor to soups, stews and sauces.
Bay laurel (Laurel nobilis) is also rich in symbolism dating to early Greek civilization with dozens of examples found throughout history. It represents a number of virtues including achievement, wisdom, victory, and everlasting love. Romans adopted the symbolism crowning their emperors with laurel wreaths. The word baccalaureate stems from the Greek “laureate” for laurel tree and Latin “bacca” for berry.
Bay Laurel is a slow-growing tree best planted in spring. Its dioecious which means both male and female plants are needed to produce flowers and berries. When pollinated, small yellow flowers develop into dark purple berries in the fall. Natural growth habit produces a medium- to large-sized tree with multiple stems that form a dense green pyramidal canopy. Bay laurel accepts heavy pruning, so you just as often see it as a shrub or container plant.
Bay laurel is somewhat easy to care for indoors or outdoors with potted plants generally kept to 4 to 8 feet tall, while unpruned landscape plants can grow from 30 to 60 feet tall. Though the leaves are often used in cooking, they are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Bay laurel and bay leaf are the same. However, aromatic plants such as California bay (Umbellularia californica), and others, may be mislabeled in the store as bay leaf because of the similarities in fragrance and taste.
When I’m landscaping my backyard one of the most important things I consider is size. A plant that grows too big can quickly become a problem, taking over the yard and crowding out other plants. But a plant that’s too small may not give the visual impact I want.
One popular plant I like to use in landscaping is the bay laurel With their glossy green leaves and lovely shape, bay laurels make a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. However, there are several different varieties of bay laurel, each with its own mature size. Picking the right one for your specific needs is key to creating a landscape you’ll love.
In this article, I’ll walk through the factors to consider when selecting a bay laurel plant based on size. I’ll also overview some of the most popular size varieties. With the right information, you can choose the perfect bay laurel to enhance your landscape design.
Factors That Determine Bay Laurel Size
There are a few key things that impact how big your bay laurel will get:
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Genetics: The specific variety of bay laurel makes a major difference in ultimate size. There are dwarf cultivars that stay under 3 feet, as well as varieties that grow into massive 60-foot trees. Selecting the right genetic variant for your needs is crucial.
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Pruning: Like any plant, bay laurels respond to pruning by growing smaller. For larger varieties, pruning is essential to maintain a reasonable size.
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Climate: Bay laurels thrive in warm Mediterranean climates. Colder locations may stunt their growth. Consider your climate zone when picking a variety.
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Soil & Sun: Rich soil and abundant sunlight equals bigger plants. Providing ideal growing conditions will maximize size.
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Age: Bay laurels are slow growing trees. It takes time for them to reach maturity. Have patience and account for future growth when planting.
By considering all these factors, you can select a bay laurel tailored to fit your landscape constraints. Next, let’s look at some popular size options.
Good Bay Laurel Size Varieties
Here are some of my favorite bay laurel plants based on growing size:
Dwarf Bay Laurel
- Max height and width of 2-4 feet
- Compact, bushy form
- Ideal for containers and borders
- Genetic dwarf cultivar
- Slow growing
- Good varieties: ‘Angustifolia’, ‘Willowleaf’
Sweet Bay Laurel
- Grows 6-10 feet tall and wide
- Prune to maintain smaller size
- Graceful shape with willowy leaves
- Popular standard bay laurel variety
- Moderate growth rate
- Laurus nobilis species
California Bay Laurel
- Mature height 15-40 feet
- Prune to limit growth
- Tolerates cooler climates
- Large, aromatic leaves
- Umbellularia californica species
Grecian Laurel
- Grows 35-60 feet tall
- Requires extensive pruning
- Classic bay laurel tree
- Vigorous grower
- Laurus nobilis species
- Best for large spaces
As you can see, there’s a bay laurel size for every need, from petite dwarf shrubs to towering 60-foot trees. Take stock of your space constraints, climate, and goals to select the right fit.
7 Tips for Managing Bay Laurel Size
Managing the size of your bay laurel involves a bit of finesse. Here are my top tips:
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Start with the right variety – pick a cultivar suited to your mature space limitations.
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Provide ideal soil and sunlight to maximize growth.
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Prune regularly – trim back leaders and shape.
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For dwarf varieties, use a container to restrict size.
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Remove suckers & low branches to control spread.
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Don’t over fertilize, as this fuels growth.
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Be patient – allow time for your laurel to reach its full size potential.
Follow these guidelines, and you can keep your bay laurel neat and tidy.
Common Questions About Bay Laurel Size
Here are some frequently asked questions about managing bay laurel size:
How often should I prune my bay laurel?
For larger varieties, prune at least 1-2 times per year. Dwarf varieties may only need occasional trimming. Target wayward branches and leaders.
What’s the best time to prune a bay laurel?
Prune in early spring before the main growth period. This avoids cutting off new growth and flowers.
Can I control size by planting in a pot?
Yes! Container planting restricts root space, limiting plant size. Use a potting mix and prune the top growth.
Should I remove lower branches on my bay laurel?
Removing lower branches can improve the look and minimize spread. Focus on branches within 1-2 feet of the ground.
How can I keep my bay laurel small long-term?
Regular pruning to shape, using dwarf varieties, and container planting are the best ways to permanently limit size.
When does a bay laurel reach full size?
Bay laurels are slow growing. It can take over 10 years for them to fully mature. Have patience and account for future size when planting.
Choosing the Perfect Bay Laurel for You
Potting and Repotting Bay Laurel
Bay laurel makes a popular container plant that can live for decades. To keep its size in check, use a relatively small container but one with a broad enough base to prevent the tree from toppling over in the wind. A 24-inch pot will accommodate a 5- to 6-foot tree. Grow the plant in ordinary commercial potting mix.
Bay laurel grows best when its a little cramped in its pot, even to the point of roots starting to poke out the bottom. You shouldn’t need to repot more than once every five years.
Light
Keep your indoor bay laurel tree near a sunny window in winter. Avoid exposure to drafts and heat from appliances and air ducts. Outdoor plants prefer partial shade but will tolerate full sun. In areas with hot, dry summers, some afternoon shade is ideal.
The plant produces the best-flavored leaves if it receives full sun for at least a portion of the year.