Botanical profile

Bay leaf

Latin name
Laurus nobilis
Common name
Bay leaf
Type
Non-hardy aromatic shrub
Family
Lauraceae

Bay laurel is a highly prized aromatic plant, known for its evergreen, dark green, and strongly scented foliage, which has long been used in cooking. Its thick, glossy leaves bring a warm, herbaceous, and slightly spicy flavor to soups, sauces, broths, stews, marinades, ragouts, meat dishes, vegetables, and Mediterranean recipes. In addition to its culinary use, it forms a beautiful decorative shrub, perfect in a pot on the terrace, balcony, or near the kitchen.

Easy to grow, bay laurel prefers a sunny to lightly partially shaded location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It grows very well in containers, which allows for easier movement and protection from the cold when temperatures drop. Regular watering is recommended during the growing season, while allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid excessive moisture. Light pruning helps maintain a compact, dense, and elegant shape.

Both aromatic, decorative, and very versatile, bay laurel is an essential plant for herb gardens, container vegetable gardens, and Mediterranean landscapes. Its leaves can be harvested fresh or dried, then added to dishes during cooking before being removed when served. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a durable, fragrant, and practical plant, capable of adding a classic culinary touch to homemade recipes.

Care guide

Care level
Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic evergreen foliage essential in cooking
Container, terrace, balcony, herb garden, Mediterranean cuisine, topiary
Container growing
Excellent potted plant, recommended for cold climates
Seasonal care
Bring indoors away from severe frost in cold climates; prune in spring to maintain a compact shape; avoid overwatering
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry out slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; moderate fertilization in pots during growth
Soil type
Fertile, light, deep, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-10°C
Propagation method
Semi-hardwood cuttings or sowing
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Greenish yellow
Fruiting
Decorative black berries on female plants
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Persistent
Shape
Upright, dense, and branched shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft)
Width
90 to 150 cm (36 to 60 inches)
Growth rate
Slow growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender
Spacing
60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches)
Harvest period
Year-round foliage in pots or seasonally
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.