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Laurus nobilis Hedge

A Laurus nobilis hedge is a classic choice for anyone seeking a versatile, attractive, and long-lived option for their New Zealand garden. Laurus nobilis, also known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is valued not only for its lush, aromatic foliage—often used fresh or dried in the kitchen—but also for its dense, evergreen structure that makes it perfect for hedging. Whether you have a contemporary landscape or a more traditional setting, a Laurus nobilis hedge complements many design styles while providing privacy, shelter, and year-round greenery.

Laurus nobilis

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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!

Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
  • 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.
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Laurus nobilis 'Pride of Provence' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit. This evergreen tree features lush, glossy, dark...

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A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
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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...

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A Laurus nobilis 'Tuscan Tower' topiary standard tree.
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Laurus Tuscan Tower

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Laurus nobilis 'Bay Gold' trees with yellow foliage.
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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...

Laurus 'Miles Choice' trees with green foliage.
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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...

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Laurus nobilis

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Why Choose a Laurus nobilis hedge

One of the standout benefits of planting a Laurus nobilis hedge is its resilience and adaptability. This evergreen shrub thrives in a range of conditions—from full sun to partial shade—and tolerates coastal winds once established. Its compact growth can be shaped and maintained at your preferred height, making it suitable for low borders or tall screens. With regular trimming, your Laurus nobilis hedge develops a dense, lush appearance that's both elegant and practical.

If you’re interested in more specialised varieties, consider Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence for rich aromatic leaves, or Laurus nobilis angustifolia for a narrow-leafed form that’s especially well-suited to formal hedging.

Planting and Caring for Your Sweet Bay Hedge

When creating a Laurus nobilis hedge, site selection is important. Choose a position with free-draining soil, amend heavy clay with organic matter, and space plants about 75 cm apart for optimal density. Water new hedges deeply and regularly during their first season, tapering as they establish. Feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring supports strong new growth.

Prune your Laurus nobilis hedge once or twice a year to shape and encourage bushy, dense foliage. The aromatic leaves are not only beautiful but can also be harvested for culinary use, adding an extra dimension of home-grown flavour to your kitchen.

Alternatives and Companions for Hedging

While the classic Laurus nobilis hedge is always in style, gardeners seeking variety may want to explore closely related cultivars. Laurus Tuscan Tower offers a sleek, upright habit that works well in narrow spaces, while Laurus Bay Gold features especially glossy, golden-tinged foliage.

For those seeking fragrance and ornamental value, Laurus nobilis Miles Choice delivers a distinctive aesthetic. Or, for something different, companion your Laurus hedge with shrubs like Acmena smithii Sublime or introduce contrast with natives like Melicytus macrophyllus (Broad-Leaved Mahoe). Other interesting options for structured screens include Pyrus calleryana 'Capital', Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka), and Acer grosseri.

Create Lasting Elegance with Laurus nobilis

A Laurus nobilis hedge elevates any landscape with its classic green structure, aromatic presence, and low-maintenance appeal. Ideal for formal hedging, kitchen gardens, or ornamental screens, Sweet Bay adapts beautifully to gardens throughout New Zealand. Explore our full range to find the perfect Laurus variety or complementary hedge plant for your space and enjoy the practical and aesthetic benefits for years to come.


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 pick Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii, but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Sophora prostrata, Hydrangea Bloody Marvellous, and Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry).
–The Plant Company

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