Laurus nobilis

Evergreen pyramidal shaped tree that grows to around 7.5m.

In spring small clusters of creamy yellow flowers are produced followed by single seeded purple-black berries on female plants. Leaves are aromatic leathery and dark green.

Needs well-drained soil and a sheltered sunny or part-shady position. Noted for tolerance in coastal plantings.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows trees to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Tall plants and those in windy positions require staking to stabilize the root ball until established. Position the stakes in the hole before planting and place the plant between them. Use wide ties that hold securely without chafing tie firmly but allow room for the trunk to increase in girth without constriction. This allows the plant to move a little in the wind encouraging the development of a strong root system without the risk of chafing or root damage. Unless the soil is very wet water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball.

If growing in a container, ensure the base of the container is raised off the ground by using pot feet (or bricks) to allow excess water to drain away and help prevent frost cracking the pot. Plants grown in the ground may suffer cold or wind damage to the current season's growth which can be pruned out in the spring.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil, taking care not to damage surface roots.

Pruning depends on whether you want topiary or are simply growing it as a shrub or small tree in the ground. Topiary trained bay are trimmed with secateurs during summer to encourage a dense habit and to maintain a balanced shape. Shrubs can be trimmed into shape by cutting back to a lower leaf or bud. Prune new shoots to a bud facing in the direction of the desired growth. Remove any leaf tips damaged by winter weather by lightly pruning in late spring. Mature trees can tolerate hard pruning but are slow to regrow. This would be best carried out over two or three seasons in late spring. The root-ball sometimes dries out despite the surrounding soil being moist. The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Pests and diseases can have serious debilitating effects on young plants.

Check stakes and ties for chafing and constriction and remove as soon as plants are strong enough to withstand winds without damage. Plants bought as small trees or standards may require staking.

Leaf spots are often caused by waterlogged roots or wet weather conditions. Plants in containers are also very prone to this, usually indicating that the compost has become old and tired. Repot your plant in spring into fresh well-drained compost. Yellow leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency especially in container-grown plants but it is more commonly caused by waterlogged compost or cold weather damage. Can occasionally be susceptible to powdery mildew.

Herb Garden

In ancient Greece leaves of this tree were woven into wreaths to crown the victors of various contests. This tree was one of the main components along with the common holly (Ilex aquifolium) of extensive prehistoric laurel forests that covered much of the area around the Mediterranean Sea basin.

The name for the genus comes from the ancient name for the plant and the specific epithet is the Latin word for "noble" or "famous". This plant was introduced into cultivation in Britain at least as early as 1650 and received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993.