Bay laurel plants also known as sweet bay or simply bay plants are a fantastic addition to any herb garden. Their aromatic leaves are a staple in many cuisines and their shiny foliage makes them an attractive landscaping plant. But where can you find high-quality bay plants for purchase? Here are some tips on where to buy bay laurel plants and how to ensure you find a reputable source with healthy plants.

Check Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Your local independent nurseries and garden centers are a great place to start your search for bay laurel plants. The advantage of buying locally is you can see the plants in person before purchasing. Check that the plants have:

• Healthy looking leaves that are shiny and deep green in color. Avoid plants with yellowing, spotty or drooping leaves.

• A sturdy stem and well established root system. Gently tug on the base to ensure it is well rooted.

• Densely packed leaves. You want a bushy full plant, not leggy growth.

• Look for plants in 1-3 gallon sized containers. This ensures you get an established plant vs a small starter.

Many reputable local nurseries will also have knowledgeable staff that can answer questions on care and provide advice on the best bay laurel cultivars for your climate.

Order from Online Retail Nurseries

Can’t find bay plants locally? Ordering bay laurel plants from an online retail nursery can be a convenient way to access plants not available in your area. When buying bay plants online, look for nurseries that

• Have detailed plant descriptions and growing information

• Offer bay laurel plants in larger sized containers (1 gallon pots or larger) to ensure an established plant.

• Ship with care instructions and have guarantees on live delivery.

• Have good customer reviews specifically for bay tree purchases.

• Sell plants suitable for your USDA planting zone.

Some examples of reputable online nurseries for bay tree purchase include Wilson Bros Gardens, Nature Hills Nursery, Brighter Blooms and Territorial Seed Company among others.

What to Look for When Buying Bay Laurel Plants

No matter where you purchase your bay laurel plant, follow these tips to pick the best plant possible:

• Purchase named cultivars – Look for plants identified by specific cultivar names like ‘Smaragd’ or ‘Longifolia’. Named varieties have been selected for improved traits.

• Inspect leaves – Choose plants with shiny, deep green leaves. Avoid yellowed or browned foliage. Leaves should be fragrant when crushed.

• Check for pests – Inspect closely for signs of pests like whiteflies, aphids or scale which can indicate an unhealthy plant.

• Feel the roots – For potted plants, check they aren’t root bound by feeling that the root ball isn’t a solid mass of circling roots.

• Hardiness – Ensure the bay laurel is suited for your planting zone. Some are only hardy to zone 8.

Decide on Container Grown vs. Bare Root Bay Plants

Bay laurel plants can be purchased either as:

• Container grown – Sold in pots, usually 1-5 gallons in size. Established plants that can be planted anytime.

• Bare root – Root ball is exposed at time of sale, no soil around roots. Only sold during dormant season.

Container grown bay plants are a good choice as you can see the established plant. Go for the largest size you can find in your price range. Bare root plants are fine too but inspect roots are healthy without damage.

For growing bay trees in pots long-term, definitely choose container grown. Bare root plants require prompt planting in the ground.

Purchase Large Specimen Bay Trees (Optional)

For an instant impact in the garden, some nurseries sell larger specimen bay laurel trees, usually in 15-25 gallon containers. These 5-10 ft trees have a commanding architectural form but come with a higher price tag. These larger trees suffer less transplant shock than smaller plants and can create a focal point in the garden.

Buy Bay Plants Suited for Your Climate

There are over 50 varieties of bay laurel plants available. When buying, pay attention to the specific cultivar and ensure it is suited for the climate you are planting it in. Things to look for:

• Hardiness – Some bay trees only thrive in zones 8-10 while cold hardy selections exist for colder zones.

• Container growing – If growing your bay tree in a pot, look for compact sized cultivars under 10 ft tall.

• Heat tolerance – Some cultivars are adapted for hot and humid southern climates.

• Leaf type – Curly leaf types like Laurus nobilis ‘Crispa’ grow slower and handle pruning better.

Talk to the nursery grower to find the right bay laurel plant for your area.

Order at the Right Time of Year

Bay plants can be purchased at various times:

• Spring – best for container grown as plants are actively growing.

• Fall – good time for container or bare root as plants establish before winter.

• Winter – only purchase dormant bare root plants and plant promptly.

• Summer – hardest time for planting, ensure container plants are kept watered.

Ideally spring or fall are best for establishing bay laurel plants. But with proper care, they can be planted any time as long as frost has passed.

Quarantine Newly Purchased Plants Before Planting

Before adding your new bay laurel plant to your garden or landscape, it’s wise to quarantine it for a few weeks to ensure it is pest and disease free. Watch for signs of problems and treat if needed before introducing to other plants.

Be Wary of Discount Bay Plants Sold Online

Some online sources sell very inexpensive bay plants, sometimes under $10 per plant. This can be tempting, but the quality is rarely good. Reviews often complain these cheap plants arrive nearly dead or fail to survive past planting. Spend a little more to ensure you get a viable plant from the start.

Ask For Help Selecting Plants If Unsure

If feeling overwhelmed selecting the perfect bay laurel plant, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Reputable nurseries will have staff available to answer plant selection questions and help you pick the right bay tree cultivar for your needs.

How to Care for Bay Laurel Plants After Purchase

Once you get your bay laurel plant home, follow these tips to keep it healthy and get it successfully established:

• Plant in a spot receiving full sun to partial shade. Bay laurels can tolerate partial shade but produce the most aromatic leaves in full sun.

• Plant in well draining soil. Though tolerant of various soil types, bay trees want soil on the drier side. Adding compost improves drainage.

• Fertilize sparingly, excess nitrogen reduces leaf flavor. Slow release organic fertilizer once yearly is usually sufficient.

• Water 1-2 times per week until established. Back off on watering once plant is growing steadily.

• Prune frequently to shape plant and promote bushy growth. Pinch off early flower buds.

• Repot container plants every 2-3 years in early spring using fresh potting mix.

• Bring bay trees in pots indoors before first frost if not winter hardy. Place in a sunny window.

Where to Plant Bay Laurel

Here are some of the best ways to incorporate bay laurel plants into your landscape:

• Plant as a focal point specimen tree – Trained to a single trunk, bay laurels make striking architectural trees. Plant near entries or corners.

• Install as a fragrant hedge or screening – Left unpruned, bay trees form dense evergreen hedges with pleasant aroma. Plant along property lines or fences.

• Add to an herb garden – Widely used in cooking, bay trees are perfect for placement in dedicated herb gardens along with rosemary, thyme and other herbs.

• Grow in containers – The lush green foliage and neatly conical form of bay laurels suit them nicely for container growing on patios, decks and near entries. Bring pots indoors for winter.

• Include in a woodland garden – Tolerant of partial shade, bay laurel combines nicely with shade loving shrubs, wildflowers and ferns.

How to Use Bay Leaves from Your Plant

Growing your own bay laurel plant provides a ready harvest of aromatic leaves perfect for use in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for using fresh or dried bay leaves:

• Add whole leaves to soups, stews, sauces, marinades and stocks. Remove before serving.

• Infuse vinegars and olive oils by steeping leaves to impart flavor. Great for salad dressings and marinades.

• Season rice dishes and grains like risotto or pilaf. Bay leaves add depth of flavor.

• Make fragrant teas from fresh or dried bay leaves.

• Include leaves when pickling vegetables for extra flavor.

• Dry leaves and add to