Bay Laurel Hedge (Laurus nobilis)

Bay Laurel Hedge Plant Description

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves and a distinctive aromatic scent. Its naturally bushy growth makes it well suited to hedging, while the foliage provides greenery throughout the year.

The leaves are commonly used fresh or dried in cooking, adding a fragrant flavour to soups, stews and other dishes. In spring, Bay Laurel can produce small pale yellow-green flowers, followed by black berries on female plants.

Bay Laurel can be clipped to create a neat, formal hedge or left to develop a more natural shape. Its slower growth makes it relatively easy to maintain at a manageable height, making it a good option where a more controlled evergreen hedge is required.

For healthy growth, plant Bay Laurel in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. It can grow in a range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. A sheltered position can be beneficial, particularly in colder parts of the UK.

With regular trimming, Bay Laurel can provide a long-lasting evergreen hedge with a neat appearance and useful culinary foliage.

Pruning Advice

Bay Laurel responds well to regular trimming and can be kept at the height and shape you want. For an established hedge, one main trim each year is generally enough to keep it neat and under control.

For younger plants, light trimming of the side shoots helps encourage bushier growth while the hedge is becoming established. Once it has reached the height you want, the leading shoots can be trimmed to maintain that height.

Late winter or early spring is a suitable time for light pruning, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged or unwanted shoots, and thin out crowded growth where necessary.

When trimming a Bay Laurel hedge, use secateurs or loppers where possible to avoid leaving large cut surfaces across the leaves. This helps maintain a cleaner appearance, particularly because Bay Laurel has relatively large leaves.

Further Information

Bay Laurel is a versatile evergreen choice for creating a neat hedge or screen. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade and adapts to a range of well-drained soils, making it suitable for many UK gardens.

When planting, water the plants thoroughly to help them establish and continue to water during prolonged dry periods, particularly while the hedge is becoming established. Avoid areas where the soil remains waterlogged, as Bay Laurel performs best where excess moisture can drain away.

Bay Laurel can be maintained as a formal hedge with regular trimming or allowed to develop a more natural shape. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while the aromatic leaves add an extra practical benefit for gardeners who use bay in cooking.

For the best results, maintain the hedge at a height that suits its location and allow enough space for the plants to develop without becoming overcrowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bay Laurel evergreen?

Yes. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an evergreen shrub, so it retains its foliage throughout the year and provides consistent greenery and structure as a hedge.

Is Bay Laurel good for hedging?

Yes. Bay Laurel is well suited to hedging and screening. Its naturally bushy growth habit and evergreen foliage make it suitable for creating a neat, structured hedge that can be trimmed to the required height and shape.

How fast does Bay Laurel grow?

Bay Laurel is relatively slow growing, with growth depending on conditions and how the plants are maintained. The growth rate listed for these plants is around 10–20cm per year.

How tall does Bay Laurel grow?

Bay Laurel can grow into a large shrub or small tree if left unpruned. For hedging, it can be regularly trimmed and maintained at a more manageable height, such as 1–2m.

How often should a Bay Laurel hedge be trimmed?

An established Bay Laurel hedge generally needs one main trim each year to maintain its shape and height. Light pruning can also be carried out when needed to manage individual shoots or tidy unwanted growth.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders, subject to the minimum spend for the relevant packaging type.

Delivery charges and minimum order values vary depending on whether plants are sent in standard boxes, tall boxes or on pallets.

Standard Sized Boxes: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100, or £7.99 delivery charge.

Tall Sized Boxes: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100, or £14.99 delivery charge.

Pallets: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £350, or £60 delivery charge.

Pleached Trees: Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £1,500, or £450 delivery charge.

Plants are carefully inspected before dispatch. As plants are perishable goods, they cannot generally be returned if purchased in error or are no longer required.

The 12-month plant guarantee is subject to the applicable planting and aftercare requirements.

If you need help choosing the right Bay Laurel plants or have questions about your order, please contact the Everything Landscaping team.