Family Lauraceae
Originating from the Mediterranean

Adaptable and reliable; it can be grown in pots or in the ground, clipped to make formal accent plants or a hedge, or will naturally form a dense shrub suitable for screening, eventually growing to form a large stately tree. The aromatic foliage can be dried and used in cooking, whilst the essential oils found in all parts of the plant are used in healing and in cosmetics. Green/yellow-coloured flowers are followed by black berries. Bay has been cultivated in the UK for 500 years and is the true laurel for making wreathes for distinguished poets (poet laureate). Can be shaped into balls, cones, pyramids, or peacocks – let your imagination run riot, as a hedge its dark leaves are a perfect backdrop for lighter colours. Bay is extremely easy to grow, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions in full sun or part shade. In very severe frosts the leaves may brown but plants are quick to recover.

Height and spread after 3 – 4 years 2.5m x 1.5m
Semi mature height and spread after 6 – 7 years if not clipped or pruned 4m x 3m
Potential mature size after 25 – 30 years plus if allowed to grow naturally 10m x 6m