Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Perennial
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Half Hardy

Bay Laurel is a half-hardy perennial in zones 8 and up and is often grown in a container in zones 7 and down. Its hardy down to around 23˚ F.

Crops
Spring Transplant
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Bay Laurel will thrive in full sun or partial shade in a variety of different soils, as long as they drain well. It doesn't like chilly wind and benefits from being planted near a wall or hedge that can protect the plants.

Outdoor Growing Temp
50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

Wait until the soil is at least 60˚ F before planting outdoors.

Start Indoors
No
Start Outdoors
No
Light
Part shade (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot)

Bay Laurel will grow well in partial shade or in full sun.

Water
Low

Bay Laurel is fairly drought tolerant but will benefit from moderate water when young and after transplanting. If it's a container you can kill the plant by lack of watering, so water more regularly.

Feeder
Moderate

Bay Laurel isn't a heavy feeder, but will grow larger if provided with more nutrients. However, if allowed to become very large it will feed heavily on your garden's nutrients nearby so many gardeners prefer to keep the plant smaller.

Suitability
Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, High heat, Partial shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Container grown plants need to be fertilized every several weeks from mid-spring to late summer. Plants will eventually start to outgrow their containers, and will likely need to be replanted every couple years into larger containers.

Keep well-pruned so that the plant doesn't outgrow its pot too fast. Bay Laurel is fairly drought tolerant in the garden but in containers the soil should never be allowed to completely dry. Use containers and soil with adequate drainage.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Green
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
24.0 - 200.0"
Plant Diameter
24.0 - 72.0"
Hardiness Zone
8-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Adds a savory taste to sauces, soups, meats and more. More pungent when used fresh, but not as sweet as when dried. Best used right after drying.

Rotation Group
Perennial