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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.

From $41.33

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.

From $202.44

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, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
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Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata is an impressive deciduous tree valued for its graceful branching, attractive green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The finely...

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Prunus yedoensis

Prunus yedoensis is a beautiful deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant spring blossom and graceful spreading form. Masses of pale pink buds...

From$349.95
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Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
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$28.95
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Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant double pink blossoms and colourful foliage. Masses of fragrant...

From$399.95
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Liquidambar 'Gumball' is a small tree grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge lime...

From$387.55
Michelia yunnanensis white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia yunnanensis

Michelia yunnanensis is a compact, evergreen tree renowned for its glossy, green leaves and highly fragrant, white flowers, which bloom from late...

From$270.40
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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
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Prunus 'Ichiyo'

Prunus 'Ichiyo' is an elegant deciduous flowering tree prized for its spectacular spring blossom and graceful spreading form. Large clusters of soft...

From$399.95
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
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Prunus 'Tai Haku'

Prunus 'Tai Haku' is a spectacular deciduous flowering tree valued for its exceptionally large white spring blossoms and elegant spreading form. The...

From$349.95
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
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Prunus 'Southern Gem'

Prunus 'Southern Gem' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches become...

From$349.95
A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia figo

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and...

From$34.43
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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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Ginkgo biloba Pendula

Ginkgo biloba Pendula is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves...

From$387.55
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
A Michelia 'Fairy Cream' hedge with masses of cream-white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Cream'

Michelia 'Fairy Cream' grows as a small and shapely tree carrying glossy, green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds are borne...

From$136.04
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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 '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$35.81
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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...

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Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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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 - Carpodetus, Laurus, and Liquidambar, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

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.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush), Fuchsia 'Pacquesa', and Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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