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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, 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.

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
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
Most Popular 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$202.44
A Laurus nobilis 'Tuscan Tower' topiary standard tree.
Most Popular 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...

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

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

A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Most Popular Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

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Most Popular Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

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Most Popular Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

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Most Popular Magnolia denudata Gere

Magnolia denudata Gere is a graceful deciduous tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring. This cultivar adds...

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Most Popular Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

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Laurus nobilis

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You might be interested in exploring Laurus or Evergreen Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like The Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel.

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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 Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops, but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue', and Liriodendron tulipifera.
–The Plant Company

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