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evergreen laurel tree

The evergreen laurel tree is a timeless addition to New Zealand gardens, valued for its lush, year-round foliage and versatile landscaping uses. Whether you’re designing a formal hedge, searching for hardy privacy screening, or seeking culinary inspiration, the evergreen laurel tree stands out as a superb choice. This guide explores different varieties, plant care, and creative ways to incorporate these handsome evergreens into your outdoor space.

Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

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Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It provides year round structure in New Zealand gardens and is widely used for both ornamental and culinary purposes. This hardy plant is ideal for hedging, topiary, or feature planting. Its dense growth and glossy foliage make it a popular choice for adding structure and functionality.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, White
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.

Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Flowers produced in spring are pale yellow-green and result in small, glossy, black berries as it grows to 5 m tall and 4 m wide. Laurus nobilis angustifolia is ideal for trimming into a hedge, using as a screening plant, planting as a backdrop for smaller plants, maintaining in a container, shaping into a topiary, or growing as a specimen. The leaves on this variety are the well-known Bay Leaves, and can be used fresh or dry in cooking to add flavour to dishes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, White
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Laurus nobilis

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Acer, Agonis, Alnus, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Eucryphia, Ficus, Fraxinus, Hoheria, Laurus, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Prunus, Quercus Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, Flowering Cherry Tree Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search evergreen laurel tree

What is an Evergreen Laurel Tree?

The term "evergreen laurel tree" refers to a group of hardy, broadleaf plants prized for their glossy, dark green leaves and evergreen habit. Among the most popular in New Zealand are the Laurus nobilis (often known as bay laurel), the Laurus nobilis angustifolia with its slim leaves, and the adaptable Prunus laurocerasus, commonly grown as English laurel. Japanese laurel species, such as the Aucuba Picturata (Japanese Laurel Plant), also provide evergreen structure with a colourful twist.

Popular Evergreen Laurel Tree Varieties

Growing and Caring for Your Evergreen Laurel Tree

Evergreen laurel trees are generally easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of New Zealand conditions. They thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate both sun and partial shade. Regular watering ensures vigorous growth, especially during establishment and dry spells. These resilient trees respond well to trimming, making them a top choice for formal hedges or specimen trees.

A light feed in spring and the occasional mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. As evergreens, they retain their leaves throughout the year, providing constant structure and greenery.

Best Uses for Evergreen Laurel Trees in the Garden

Choose the evergreen laurel tree for: - Privacy screening or hedging along boundaries - Windbreaks and shelter planting - Edible landscaping (especially Laurus nobilis for bay leaves) - Evergreen topiary and formal garden features - Brightening shaded areas with variegated choices like Aucuba

For more options, explore different varieties such as Laurus nobilis, slender-leaved Laurus nobilis angustifolia, or colourful Aucuba Picturata (Japanese Laurel Plant) in our nursery collection.

Order Your Evergreen Laurel Tree

Upgrade your garden with easy-care beauty and structure by choosing an evergreen laurel tree. Visit our range and discover trusted classics like Laurus nobilis, hedging favourites such as Prunus laurocerasus, or colourful Aucuba Picturata (Japanese Laurel Plant). With an evergreen laurel tree, you’ll enjoy year-round greenery and enduring style.


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