Laurus nobilis + Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' - Bay Leaf, Bay Laurel

The Laurus nobilis commonly known as Bay Laurel, Bay Leaf or Sweet Bay is a distinctive Mediterranean native evergreen tree renowned for its aromatic foliage, ornamental appeal, and exceptional culinary value.

Add a Mediterranean feel with this aromatic and hardy evergreen tree.

In spring yellow buds open to dainty clusters of yellow flowers.

This remarkable tree combines practical culinary utility with elegant garden presence and exceptional hardiness.

Growth Size:  Laurus nobilis approx up to 8m h x 3m w 

                                 Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' variety grows slightly smaller in height to around 6m

Positioning: Full sun to part shade

Spacing for a hedge: 80-1m apart 

Growth Rate: Moderate

Temperament: Tolerant to frost and coastal/salt conditions

Perfect for: Screening, Hedging, Culinary uses, Topiary standards

Mediterranean Native Heritage:

Native to the Mediterranean region, the Bay Laurel brings authentic Mediterranean character and timeless elegance to Australian gardens.

Growing this tree connects you to ancient Mediterranean civilizations where bay leaves have been prized for thousands of years for both culinary and ceremonial purposes.

Aromatic Foliage Appeal:

The Laurus nobilis is native to the Mediterranean with aromatic foliage that releases distinctive fragrance when brushed or crushed.

The aromatic qualities make this tree valuable for sensory gardens and creating fragrant outdoor spaces.

The distinctive scent is instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with Mediterranean cooking.

Culinary Bay Leaf Production:

One of the most valuable characteristics of the Bay Laurel is its culinary utility.

The leaves are the source of bay leaves used in cooking worldwide.  Harvest fresh leaves year-round for use in soups, stews, sauces, and culinary applications.

Growing your own bay leaf tree provides fresh, organic herbs for your kitchen.

Culinary Tips:
Harvest fresh bay leaves throughout the year for culinary use.   The flavour is most intense in mature leaves.

Dry leaves for longer storage and intensified flavour in cooking applications.

Spring Flowering Display:

In spring yellow buds open to dainty clusters of yellow flowers, creating delicate floral displays among the aromatic foliage.

The pale yellow flowers add ornamental interest to the tree's overall appeal and attract pollinators.

Exceptional Hardiness & Coastal Tolerance:

Tolerant to frost once established and coastal salt conditions.

The Bay Laurel is remarkably hardy, thriving in diverse climates from warm to cool regions.

The coastal tolerance makes it perfect for seaside properties where salt spray challenges other trees.

Once established, it's drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Topiary & Formal Garden Potential:

The Bay Laurel responds beautifully to pruning and shaping, making it perfect for hedging and formal topiary applications, trained standards, and geometric forms.

Professional gardeners often use Bay Laurels for formal garden designs and architectural plant features.

Growing Requirements:

Plant in well draining soil however they will tolerate sandy or poorer soils.

Best grown in full sun to part shade.  In hot climates best grown with some shade time. 

Perfect Uses:

> Hedging

> Screening

> Culinary uses

> Topiary


Why Choose Bay Laurel?

> Mediterranean heritag

> Aromatic foliage

> Culinary bay leaf production

> Low maintenance qualities

> Exceptional hardiness, coastal tolerance, frost-tolerance for cooler regions

> Formal gardens

> Evergreen year-round presence 

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety:

300mm - 1m tall

400mm - 1.5m tall

75L - 1.8m tall

100L - 2m+ tall