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standard bay leaf tree

The standard bay leaf tree offers a stunning combination of culinary usefulness and elegant landscaping design, making it a favourite among New Zealand gardeners. A standard bay leaf tree is typically Laurus nobilis trained as a single-trunk specimen with a compact, rounded crown, perfect for patios, formal gardens, or as a central feature in containers. Whether you love to cook with fresh aromatic bay leaves or simply enjoy its glossy evergreen foliage, a standard bay leaf tree provides year-round interest and function in any garden setting.

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 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
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

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...

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Tilia cordata

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Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)

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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

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Michelia Coco

Michelia Coco forms a small, shapely tree and carries large, glossy green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds are borne...

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A Michelia 'Fairy Cream' hedge with masses of cream-white flowers and glossy, green foliage.

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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

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Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Beilschmiedia, Bergenia, Castanospermum, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Ficus, Laurus, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Michelia, Prunus, Pyrus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Tilia and Ulmus, or related Categories - Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, Flowering Cherry Tree, Flowering Pears Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search standard bay leaf tree

Why Choose a Standard Bay Leaf Tree?

Standard bay leaf trees are prized not only for their fragrance and rich colour but also for their versatility. Their tidy, lollipop shape brings a classic touch to entrances, pathways, or herb gardens. Suitable for growing in pots or directly in the ground, these trees thrive in New Zealand's mild climate. With proper pruning, your standard bay leaf tree maintains its attractive form and size, making it low-maintenance and adaptable for both small urban spaces and larger landscapes.

Growing and Caring for a Standard Bay Leaf Tree

The standard bay leaf tree (Laurus nobilis) is easy to grow and long-lived. It prefers a sunny or lightly shaded position in well-drained soil. Bays benefit from regular watering during dry spells—but do not appreciate sitting in soggy soil. Feed annually with a balanced fertiliser, and prune lightly to keep the shape neat. Unlike many other evergreens, bay trees tolerate some neglect while still providing glossy foliage and fresh leaves for all your favourite recipes.

To diversify your garden with other bay varieties, consider exploring Laurus nobilis angustifolia, which features narrow, attractive leaves with the same rich aroma, or Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence, a celebrated cultivar known for vigorous growth and dense foliage.

Culinary and Decorative Uses

Few herbs are as iconic in the kitchen as the standard bay leaf tree. Pluck a leaf or two to enhance soups, stews, and roasted dishes with earthy depth. When grown as a standard, harvesting leaves is extra convenient, and the tree looks stunning in outdoor pots or as a pair flanking your entryway. The tree’s elegant framework also makes it a showpiece when underplanted with lower herbs or flowers.

If you’re seeking variation, Laurus Bay Gold is another bay cultivar ideal for standards, admired for its lush, golden-hued new growth. You might also want to include companion evergreens, such as Correa pulchella Coffin Bay (Correa Coffin Bay), for added colour and textural interest throughout the year.

Find Your Perfect Bay Tree

Whether you’re searching for a classic Laurus nobilis or want to discover new bay leaf tree varieties, you’ll find that the standard bay leaf tree is a timeless choice for both garden structure and homegrown flavour. Create a statement with this versatile plant and elevate your outdoor spaces while enjoying a culinary staple right at your fingertips.


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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.

Azalea Pink Ice and Lomandra Frosty Tops are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Nyssa sylvatica (Sour Gum), Acer Stella Rossa, and Entelea arborescens (Whau) that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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