Bay leaves, also known as bay laurel, are an evergreen shrub commonly used as a culinary herb. You've probably added a bay leaf or two to a casserole, soup, stew, or other dish, and this subtle-flavored herb is a staple in bay, beer, orange gravy, and summer fish chowder.
However, Bay Laurel also makes a great addition to a hedge or as part of an herb garden, and can even be grown in containers on decks and patios.
Native to the Mediterranean, bay leaf plants grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8 and above. (You can check your zones here ).
In colder climates, you can keep them in containers and bring them inside for the winter. “These plants are easy to grow in pots,” says Byron Martin, co-owner of Logee's Plants for Home and Garden and co-author of Edible Houseplants. “They can live for decades.”
With their leathery, evergreen leaves, bay trees can be trimmed into topiaries or shrubs, or grown as a low shrub. Because they're slow-growing, they're easy to maintain in size and shape by pruning them so they don't get too big to bring indoors, Martin says.
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Bay Leaf Tree Basic Information:
Common Name: Bay laurel, bay leaf, sweet bay
Scientific name: Laurus nobilis
Botanical family: Lauraceae
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub, USDA Zones 8-10, Houseplant
Origin: Mediterranean
Sunlight: Direct sunlight to partial shade
Mature size: 30 feet tall in landscape, 4-8 feet tall in pot.
Toxic to pets: Yes
How to Care for a Bay Leaf Tree
How to Plant a Bay Leaf Tree
Whether you plant it in the ground or in a pot, make sure your laurel gets at least six hours of direct sunlight, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, so you can plant it under a larger tree as long as it gets plenty of light and direct sunlight during the day, says Martin.
Bay leaf trees do well in most soils. Choose a location with well-drained soil. They grow slowly but can become quite large, so make sure they have enough space to grow.
As with any evergreen shrub, dig a hole twice the size of the pot and plant it the same depth as the pot. Replace the soil, tamp it down and water thoroughly.
Water them regularly for the first year, after which bay leaves are drought tolerant.
fertilizer
Bay laurels can be fertilized once in the spring with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
Common problems with bay leaf trees
Bay trees rarely have problems with scale insects. If you see brown, flat, oval bumps on the stems or leaves, use horticultural oil to get rid of them. Mealybugs, which look like white, waxy, oval bugs, are also a common problem, but are easy to spot because they hide in the black, leathery leaves. Remove them one by one using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
How to grow a laurel tree in a pot
Bay leaf trees also grow well in pots, which is the best way to grow them if you live in a cold climate or somewhere that experiences occasional freezes and can be brought indoors, Martin says.
Use a good quality potting soil and make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom. Care is the same as for a garden plant: keep it in partial shade to full sun and allow the plant to dry out a little before watering again. (Here you can find our recommended potting soil and some things to look out for.)
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How to Harvest the Leaves from a Bay Leaf Tree
Martin says this plant doesn't need regular pruning, just shaping it. Once the plant is large enough that it doesn't mind losing a few leaves, you can cut off a leaf or two, but don't take off more than a third of the plant. Of course, most recipes call for only one or two leaves, so you can enjoy this plant while it's still small. Plus, fresh leaves have a stronger flavor, so you can enjoy the bay leaf a little better.
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How to Bring a Bay Leaf Tree Indoors for Winter
Once temperatures start to drop into the 30s, bring your plants inside. Place them in the garage, or if you bring them inside, find a sunny spot for them to spend the winter.
The benefit of overwintering a bay tree is that, unlike many other plants overwintered indoors, it doesn't tend to lose its leaves as much as other plants in low light conditions, Martin says.
You should also check it for pests before bringing it inside. Spray it with water from a garden hose or spray it preventatively with neem oil to keep pests from getting inside. Next spring, when the temperatures are warmer and there are no more freezes in the forecast, you can bring it back outside.
How to Propagate a Bay Leaf Tree
“These plants are incredibly slow to root, so you'll have to be very patient if you want to propagate them,” says Martin. Take a cutting with a few leaves and a short stem attached. Dip the stem in rooting hormone and insert it into sand or other potting soil so the stem stands upright. Water the cutting and cover it with plastic to keep it moist. Place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
It will take several months for the cuttings to take root; in fact, it may be several years before you're ready to pot the cuttings. You'll know they've taken root successfully when you see new growth, says Martin.
Are bay leaf trees poisonous to pets?
Unfortunately, yes. According to the ASPCA, bay leaf trees are poisonous to pets. Bay leaves contain eugenol and other essential oils that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. The large, leathery leaves can also cause blockages if swallowed.
If you suspect your pet may have eaten any part of this plant, contact your vet immediately, even if you're not sure. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Alicka Erin Sansone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Alicka earned her BA in English and Classics, cum laude, from Hiram College and her MBA, cum laude, from Georgia Southern University. Prior to writing full-time, Alicka studied in Rome, traveled throughout Europe, and taught in Asia. With over 10 years of experience, Alicka has conceived, researched, and created innovative story ideas and content to appeal to readers across the country. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications, including Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, and House Beautiful. She is passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with her loved ones and dogs.
