Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

laurus nobilis bay laurel

Laurus nobilis bay laurel is the classic, aromatic evergreen shrub every keen gardener and cook should know. Valued for centuries, this versatile plant offers glossy, dark green leaves that are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and a handsome, tidy structure perfect for New Zealand gardens. Easy to grow and resilient, the Laurus nobilis bay laurel suits container planting, topiary, hedges, or standalone features, making it a must-have for both kitchen gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts. Add year-round depth to your garden while enjoying a ready supply of fragrant bay leaves straight from your backyard.

Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

5 from 1 customers

Laurus nobilis is a much-loved shrub in NZ gardens. It is most commonly grown as a specimen, used as a hedge (both trimmed and untrimmed), added to a mixed planting, or planted as a backdrop for smaller plants. It is an excellent complement to a modern or cottage garden, bringing both formality and elegance to a space. Bay trees are also popular plants for growing in pots, and their evergreen nature and somewhat slower growth habit make them ideal for pool gardens. Little wonder Laurus nobilis is so popular in NZ gardens!

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
Laurus 'Pride Of Provence' young trees at The Plant Company nursery.

Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence

Laurus nobilis 'Pride of Provence' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit. This evergreen tree features lush, glossy, dark green leaves, which are aromatic and somewhat leathery in appearance. Flowers produced in spring are pale yellow-green and result in small and glossy, black berries as it grows to 2 m tall and the same width. Laurus nobilis 'Pride of Provence' is an excellent plant for trimming into a hedge, using as a screening plant, planting as a backdrop for smaller plants, maintaining in a container, 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: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, 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...

From$477.11
prunus-laurocerasus-3

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant...

From$24.23
Pittosporum tobira green foliage and elegant white flowers.

Pittosporum tobira (Australian Laurel)

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or mock orange, is a versatile, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and...

From$21.53
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$141.61
Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) standard trees bordering a driveway.

Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese Laurel, is a large shrub that is widely grown across the world. It features dark red stems that...

From$29.63
Nandina 'Gulf Stream' plants with yellow-green foliage.

Nandina Gulf Stream

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth is bronze with orange tints and develops colours...

From$24.23
Grape 'Chardonnay' fruit on a vine.

Grape 'Chardonnay'

Grape 'Chardonnay'

From$29.63
Philodendron 'Xanadu' with lush green foliage growing indoors in a pot.

Philodendron 'Xanadu'

Philodendron 'Xanadu' is a lush, tropical plant prized for its dense clumps of deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. It forms a tidy, fountain-like...

From$17.48
castanospermum-australe-2

Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)

Commonly known as the Moreton Bay Chestnut, this is an evergreen tree commonly grown as an indoor plant or added to subtropical gardens. It produces...

From$158.89
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.

Pseudopanax Cyril Watson

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$299.92
Feijoa Mammoth large fruit.

Feijoa 'Mammoth'

Feijoa 'Mammoth' is a popular, vigorous variety known for producing extra-large, juicy fruit with rich, aromatic flavour. It performs exceptionally...

From$35.03
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.

Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.23
Feijoa 'Anatoki' fruit on a tree.

Feijoa 'Anatoki'

Feijoa 'Anatoki' is an early-season feijoa variety known for its reliable crops and flavourful, aromatic fruit. It’s a vigorous grower with dense...

From$35.03
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.

Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$343.89
Feijoa Kakariki fruit on a tree.

Feijoa 'Kakariki'

Feijoa 'Kakariki' is an early-season variety that produces large, sweet fruit in autumn. This evergreen shrub typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m...

From$35.03
Feijoa 'Opal Star' fruit.

Feijoa 'Opal Star'

Feijoa 'Opal Star' is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Feijoa 'Opal Star' is a late-season variety of Feijoa that produces medium to...

From$299.92
Feijoa Apollo fruit cut in half.

Feijoa 'Apollo'

Feijoa 'Apollo' trees produce tasty, medium-sized fruit in late autumn. This evergreen shrub typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide but can be...

From$35.03
Feijoa sellowiana fruit on a tree.

Feijoa Feijoa sellowiana

Feijoa sellowiana, commonly known as Brazilian Guava or Pineapple Guava, is one of the original Feijoa varieties from which many new varieties have...

From$35.03
Laurus nobilis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Castanospermum, Cistus, Feijoa, Grape, Laurus, Liriodendron, Nandina, Philodendron, Pittosporum, Prunus Pseudopanax and Quercus, or related Categories - Feijoa, Grapevines, Indoor Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search laurus nobilis bay laurel

Why Grow Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel?

Laurus nobilis bay laurel stands out for its classic beauty and practical value. Its aromatic leaves, prized for seasoning soups, stews, and roasts, elevate any home-cooked meal. The shrub itself boasts exceptional drought tolerance and thrives in full sun to part shade, adapting well to New Zealand’s climate. Whether you’re looking for an architectural statement in a formal garden, a hardy container plant for your patio, or an edible addition to your herb garden, the Laurus nobilis bay laurel is an outstanding choice.

Popular Varieties of Laurus nobilis

There’s a perfect Laurus nobilis bay laurel for every garden style, with several popular cultivars to consider:

How to Grow and Care for Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis bay laurel requires minimal fuss. Plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded site for the healthiest growth and most flavoursome leaves. It’s hardy to light frosts and tolerates pruning, letting you shape it as a hedge, pyramid, or standard tree. Regular trimming encourages bushiness and fresh leaf growth. If growing in a pot, use a quality potting mix and keep the soil just moist, especially during dry spells.

Using and Harvesting Bay Leaves

The aromatic foliage of Laurus nobilis bay laurel is invaluable in cooking. Harvest leaves fresh as needed or air dry and store whole to use year-round. They add depth and fragrance to dishes such as casseroles, stocks, and marinades. Besides their culinary value, bay leaves have a long tradition of use in crafts, wreaths, and even as a symbol of victory and protection in ancient times.

Introduce Laurus nobilis bay laurel to your garden and enjoy enduring beauty, structure, and a fresh supply of aromatic bay leaves with minimal effort. Explore our full range, from the classic Laurus nobilis to unique selections like Laurus tuscan Tower, and find the right Laurus for your needs.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews