Evergreen bay laurel

Laurus nobilis, the classic Bay Laurel, is an iconic evergreen tree or large shrub that forms an indispensable part of many UK gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and culinary utility. Its glossy, dark green, aromatic leaves are widely used in cooking. It can be easily trained into formal shapes, making it popular for topiary, hedging, or as a specimen plant in containers or borders. Small, pale yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by black berries on female plants. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, tolerating coastal conditions and urban pollution. A versatile and timeless Mediterranean plant.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.