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, 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
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$206.50
prunus-laurocerasus-3
Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) is a vigorous evergreen shrub admired for its lush glossy foliage and excellent screening qualities. This hardy...

From$30.29
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$136.04
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$38.57
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$24.95
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$19.95
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$152.64
Arthropodium Matapouri Bay plant with  lush green foliage and masses of white flowers.
Arthropodium 'Matapouri Bay' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium Matapouri Bay is a variety of the commonly known Renga Renga Lily, featuring mid-green leaves with a graceful and elegant arch. It...

From$9.95
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$192.51
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$35.81
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$24.77
Feijoa White Goose fruit cut in half.
Feijoa 'White Goose'

Feijoa 'White Goose' is an early-maturing variety that produces high yields of large fruit. The fruit has a semi-smooth, light green skin and flesh...

From$35.81
Feijoa Arhart fruit in a basket.
Feijoa 'Arhart'

Feijoa 'Arhart' produces large fruit in late autumn. The sweet and tasty fruit is grown on an evergreen shrub that typically grows to 3 m tall and 2...

From$35.81
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$387.55
Feijoa Triumph fruit on a tree amidst green foliage.
Feijoa 'Triumph'

Feijoa 'Triumph' is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Feijoa 'Triumph' produces medium to large-sized, oval fruit with a firm skin in...

From$35.81
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$35.81
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$270.40
feijoa-pounamu-
Feijoa 'Pounamu'

Feijoa 'Pounamu' is an early-season variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a thin, smooth skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy and has a tangy...

From$35.81
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$35.81
Feijoa sellowiana fruit on a tree.
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$35.81
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Laurus 'Miles Choice' trees with green foliage.
Laurus nobilis Miles Choice

Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit and drought tolerance. This evergreen tree features lush...

OUT OF STOCK
A Laurus nobilis 'Tuscan Tower' topiary standard tree.
Laurus Tuscan Tower

Laurus 'Tuscan Tower' is an evergreen tree that features lush and glossy, dark green leaves, which are aromatic and somewhat leathery in appearance...

OUT OF STOCK
Laurus nobilis 'Bay Gold' trees with yellow foliage.
Laurus Bay Gold

Laurus 'Bay Gold' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit and colourful foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, glossy, and...

OUT OF STOCK
kalmia-minuet--1
Kalmia Minuet

“Minuet” is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Laurel, and is grown for its spectacular flowering. Through summer it produces masses of showy...

OUT OF STOCK
kalmia-pristine-
Kalmia Pristine (Mountain Laurel)

“Pristine” is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Laurel, and is grown for its spectacular flowering. Through summer it produces masses of...

OUT OF STOCK
Corynocarpus laevigatus variegata tree with cream and yellow variegated foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus variegata (Variegated New Zealand Laurel)

Corynocarpus laevigatus variegata, commonly known as the NZ Variegated Laurel, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large, glossy, green with...

OUT OF STOCK
kalmia-carousel--4
Kalmia Carousel (Mountain Laurel)

“Carousel” is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Laurel, and is grown for its spectacular flowering. Through summer it produces masses of...

OUT OF STOCK
kalmia-pink-charm-
Kalmia latifolia Pink Charm

“Pink Charm” is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Laurel, and is grown for its spectacular flowering. Through summer it produces masses of...

OUT OF STOCK
aucuba-mr-goldstrike-
Aucuba 'Mr Goldstrike' (Spotted Laurel)

Aucuba 'Mr Goldstrike' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green leaves heavily speckled with bright golden yellow markings. The bold...

OUT OF STOCK
Laurus nobilis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Castanospermum, and Laurus, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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.

It’s easy to fall for Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi', but Camellia 'Kramers Supreme', Punica granatum, and Stachys macrantha offer a different kind of delight.
–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.

4.8

445 Google reviews