Varieties of Laurel Shrubs
- Mountain Laurel. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a relative of the rhododendron and is native to the eastern part of the United States.
- Bay Laurel. ...
- California Laurel. ...
- English Laurel. ...
- Other Laurels. ...
- Laurus nobilis f. ...
- Laurus nobilis 'Aurea': This variety exhibits new leaves that are bright yellow and aromatic.
- Laurus nobilis 'Undulata': With this cultivar, the leaf edges are rippled or wavy, making it a particularly ornamental tree.
Where can I buy bay laurel trees?
You can pick up L. nobilis at your favorite garden center, or purchase a two-pack of four-inch pots online, available from 9GreenBox via Walmart. Single-stem saplings are also available from Nature Hills Nursery. Hardy and easy to care for, bay laurel is largely disease and pest-free, with only a few easily remedied problems.
What are the different types of laurels?
Other Laurels. Other types of laurels include Carolina cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana,) an upright evergreen shrub that can grow as tall as 20 to 30 feet. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11, Carolina cherry laurel has shiny, dark green leaves and blooms with cream-colored white flowers in late winter.
What is sweet bay laurel called?
The Mediterranean tree known as bay laurel, or Laurus noblilis, is the original bay that you call sweet bay, bay laurel, or Grecian laurel. This is the one you are looking for to scent your stews, soups and other culinary creations.
What does bay laurel look like in the spring?
In the spring, bay laurel has small yellow flowers that develop into purple berries in the fall. This is a slow-growing plant (a few inches per year) that is best planted in the spring.
Are there different types of bay laurel?
These different kinds of bay tree are bay in name only, such as red bay, loblolly bay and swamp bay. Luckily, they have certain features that make them identifiable. For instance, Magnolia grandiflora, which is known as southern magnolia or bull bay, and Persea borbonia, known as red bay, are found in uplands.
How many types of Bayleaf are there?
two mainThere are two main varieties: California bay leaves, which tend to be longer and thinner with a more potent and slightly minty flavor and Turkish bay leaves (also called Mediterranean), which have shorter, fatter leaves and a more subtle flavor.
What is the difference between laurel and bay leaves?
Yes, the laurel leaf and the bay leaf are the same thing. Bay leaves come from an ancient Mediterranean tree called the bay laurel tree or Laurus nobilis, from the family Lauraceae. Besides bay leaves, laurel leaves, or bay laurel, they are also sometimes called sweet bay or true laurel.
Is a bay laurel tree fast growing?
Because bay laurel is a very slow grower (a few inches per year) and accepts pruning so gladly, this plant is very commonly grown in containers, kept on a patio or deck in the summer, moved indoors for the winter.
Which bay leaves are best?
In the United States, the fresh bay leaves that are sold are almost always California bay leaves, not Turkish. Their flavor can quickly overpower a dish with a strong, menthol flavor, so it's not recommended to use them unless the recipe specifically calls for them.
Can you eat all types of bay leaves?
Whether you call them bay leaves, bay laurel, or sweet laurel, this Mediterranean herb is a common ingredient in soups, stews, or braised meats. It's recommended that you remove the whole leaves or leaf pieces before eating. However, it's not because they're poisonous, but rather because they can be a choking hazard.
Is Cherry laurel the same as bay laurel?
One easy way to tell the difference between a bay laurel and a Carolina cherry laurel is to crush the leaves and smell the herbal aroma. Bay laurel leaves have a pungent aroma. When you crush the leaves of Carolina cherry laurel, they have an aroma of maraschino cherries rather than herbal.
What is the difference between a bay tree and a bay laurel tree?
Bay tree (Laurus nobilis), also known by various names such as bay laurel, sweet bay, Grecian laurel, or true laurel, is appreciated for the aromatic leaves that add a distinctive flavor to a variety of hot dishes.
How do I identify a bay laurel tree?
The easiest way to identify a bay laurel tree is by its shiny, smooth, dark-green lanceolate leaves. Leaves grow densely on laurel trees, and the plant has a recognizable pyramidal crown. Clusters of small yellow flowers decorate the bushy shrub in spring, followed by dark purple-black berries.
Do bay laurels have invasive roots?
If given the chance, bay laurel will have an invasive root system. You will want to keep all trees added a distance from the house and other structures, including walls, that is half of its mature height. Never plant them on top of a septic system, near a swimming pool or near sewer lines.
How long does bay laurel live?
A California bay laurel may live 200 years or more. One of the greatest concerns for management of this species is its susceptibility to a fungal disease called heart rot. Old or scarred trees are often invaded by this fungus.
Do bay tree roots cause damage?
Bay trees have relatively shallow roots so when planning to move it go for a wide rootball rather than a deep rootball. That way you will do least damage to the parts of the roots which matter. Water well not only to provide moisture but to allow the soil to settle and come into contact with the root ball.
How tall is a bay tree?
In its native habitat, the slow-growing tree can reach heights of 40 feet or more, but home-grown bay usually remains much smaller. It can easily be pruned into a bushy shrub, small tree, or even a topiary form.
Why are bay leaves used in cooking?
Bay leaves are used either fresh or dry to flavor all kinds of savory recipes, from soups and stews to rice or meat dishes. Leaves are left whole to cook, but are not themselves eaten because they are stiff and sharp and can potentially cause damage to the mouth or throat if ingested. The leaves are said to repel pantry moths when placed in cupboards.
Can bay lilies be grown in a pot?
Bay is also well suited to container culture. Since it is quite slow-growing, it can live a long time in a pot. This is ideal if you have a very small garden, or if your climate is cold enough to where you’ll need to bring the plant inside for the winter. Indoors, situate the plant in a very bright window, or provide supplemental light with a full-spectrum bulb. Keep the plant away from direct heat sources, and mist leaves occasionally.
Is bay a carefree plant?
Bay can be a bit frost-tender (it will suffer if temperatures fall too far below freezing, and may die in more severe cold), and does not prefer soggy soils, but if precautions are taken against frost and soil is amended to promote good drainage, bay is a care-free plant.
What is a bay laurel?
The leaves of bay laurel are best known for their use as a kitchen seasoning, but bay laurel is actually an evergreen shrub or tree native to the Mediterranean area. It has large, pointed oval leaves that are deep, glossy green in color with a leathery texture. Its natural habit is to grow into a considerable tree with multiple stems that support a dense green pyramidal canopy. But this plant willingly accepts heavy pruning, so you will just as often see it appearing as a shrub or container plant kept trimmed into a dense green mass. Potted plants are generally kept to 4 to 6 feet, while untended landscape plants can eventually grow into 60-foot trees.
How tall can a bay laurel grow?
Pruning Bay Laurel. If left unpruned, bay trees can grow 60 feet tall. Container-grown trees and trees that are regularly pruned will not get anywhere near that tall. To keep your potted bay tree portable, keep it pruned to a manageable size and desirable shape. Pruning is usually done in the spring, as new growth is just beginning.
What is the color of the leaves on Laurus nobilis?
Laurus nobilis 'Aurea': This variety exhibits new leaves that are bright yellow and aromatic.
What is a willow leaf laurel?
Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia': Also known as willow-leaf laurel, the narrow leaves of this cultivar are prized for their attractive texture when the tree is pruned. Laurus nobilis 'Aurea': This variety exhibits new leaves that are bright yellow and aromatic.
How big do bay laurel trees grow?
Potted plants are generally kept to 4 to 6 feet, while untended landscape plants can eventually grow into 60-foot trees. In the spring, bay laurel has small yellow flowers that develop into purple berries in the fall. Frequent pruning will mean fewer flowers and berries.
What are the leaves of a bay tree?
Bay is also a traditional component of the French bouquet garni herbs. The dark green leaves are very fragrant, especially when dried. As a seasoning, dried leaves are broken or crumbled into cooking foods and allowed to permeate the dish.
How long do bay tree leaves dry?
Plants should be at least two years old before the leaves are harvested. Cure the leaves by laying them on parchment paper and allowing them to dry for two weeks in a warm, dry place. Leaves of the bay tree have many culinary uses.
What is Bay Laurel?
Laurus nobilis. Bay laurel is an aromatic evergreen tree in the flowering Lauraceae family. It features shiny, dark green oval-shaped leaves with a leathery texture that are popularly used as a kitchen seasoning. Native to the Mediterranean region, it’s considered to be one of the oldest of cultivated trees.
Why do bay laurel leaves have spots?
Leaf spot is most often caused by overwatering and allowing the roots to sit in water.
How tall is a Grecian laurel?
Other common names include sweet, true, and Grecian laurel. Planted in the garden, it can reach a mature height of 25-55 feet, although most are kept at 2-8 feet with persistent trimming. Small clumps of yellow flowers form in spring, followed by small purple drupes that contain a single seed. Photo by Lorna Kring.
When should I plant sweet bays?
Sweet bay is hardy to Zone 8, enjoys a full-sun location, and should be planted in spring while still semi-dormant. Use a soil richly amended with organic compost or well-rotted manure, adding extra grit to improve drainage and plant stability.
Can a bay be pruned?
Pruning requirements depend on whether your bay has been trained as a topiary, grown as a shrub, or allowed to mature into a full-sized tree.
Where does Bay Laurel grow?
Bay Laurel. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), also known as Sweet Bay or Grecian Laurel, is native to the Mediterranean and its fragrant leaves are commonly used in cooking. The shrub blooms with clusters of yellow spring flowers and grows 12 to 40 feet tall.
Where is California Bay Laurel native to?
California laurel (Umbellularia californica,) also known as California bay laurel, can be a shrub or a tree. It grows 2 to 16 feet tall and is native to mountainous areas of Oregon and California. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, it thrives in full to partial sun.
How tall do laurel trees grow?
Other types of laurels include Carolina cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana,) an upright evergreen shrub that can grow as tall as 20 to 30 feet . Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11, Carolina cherry laurel has shiny, dark green leaves and blooms with cream-colored white flowers in late winter. Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It has a dense, upright form and grows 10 to 20 feet tall. It blooms with 5- to 10-inch spiky clusters of white flowers in spring and summer. Another option, Sierra Laurel (Leucothoe davisiae,) is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain region and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. It has an upright form with glossy leaves that become slightly tinted with bronze during winter. It grows about 3 feet tall and blooms with clustered flowers in summer.
When does English Laurel bloom?
English laurel blooms with spikes of scented white flowers in spring and early summer. The shrub has dense branches and is well-suited for use as a hedge or natural privacy screen. English laurel is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, thriving in full to partial sunlight.
How tall is a laurel?
English Laurel. English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of 12 to 30 feet. It belongs to the same family as flowering cherry, peach and apricot trees. Its glossy foliage is dark green and its leaves average 3 to 7 inches long.
How tall is a mountain laurel?
This slow-growing, evergreen shrub averages 6 to 8 feet tall, although some dwarf varieties are available. According to The New Sunset Western Garden Book, there are dozens of varieties of Mountain laurels, ...
What is the best shrub to grow in an outdoor space?
Beginner Gardening. By Caryn Anderson. Evergreen shrubs are an ideal addition to your outdoor space, offering year-round color and providing an attractive backdrop to colorful annuals and perennial flowering plants and shrubs. Although many gardeners may immediately think of bay laurel as the main variety, there are several varieties ...
What is the botanical name of a laurel?
Common Laurel, Cherry Laurel and English Laurel are different common names for the same plant. Its botanical name is Prunus laurocerasus. This is a bit of a mouthful but it’s useful to know exactly what we are talking about and that is why the plant classification system uses Latin, so we don’t get confused with lots of different common names for the same plant.
What is the best Laurel for hedges?
Rotundifolia is the most popular form of Common Laurel grown for hedging and despite many new varieties being developed such as Etna, Novita and Caucasica, it still remains the best variety, in our opinion, for hedging.
What is a Prunus lusitanica?
Prunus lusitanica is a bushy, evergreen shrub or tree with a dark green leaf. The leaf size is much smaller than that of Prunus laurocerasus with leaves being 8-10cm (4 inches) long. Portugal Laurel has reddish new shoots (stems) that look attractive against the dark green leaves. If left untrimmed, it produces masses of small fragrant white flowers in early summer followed by small red to dark purple fruits. Portugal Laurel makes an excellent hedging plant although the variety ‘Myrtifolia’ is becoming more popular.
How tall does a laurel shrub grow?
PRUNUS LAUROCERASUS. Prunus laurocerasus is the original species of Common Laurel. It is a quick-growing, evergreen, wide-spreading shrub that can grow up to 18ft (6 metres) in height. This is the species of Common Laurel (aka Cherry Laurel, English Laurel) from which most of the other varieties have been developed.
How tall does a rotundifolia grow?
Rotundifolia is quick-growing putting on about 60cm (2ft) a year under good growing conditions. Rotundifolia will grow to 5-6m (15-18ft) tall if left untrimmed but can be pruned to any height to form a dense, evergreen hedge.
What is a rotundifolia?
It also has a more attractive rounded leaf which is generally half as broad as it is long, hence its name Rotundifolia meaning rotund foliage or rounded leaf.
Which plants have both male and female flowers?
Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ (‘Maculata’) – has yellow speckled leaves and female flowers. Other plants with Laurel in their common name. Danae racemosa – Alexandrian Laurel.
How to identify a bay laurel tree?
The easiest way to identify a bay laurel tree is by its shiny, smooth, dark-green lanceolate leaves. Leaves grow densely on laurel trees, and the plant has a recognizable pyramidal crown. Clusters of small yellow flowers decorate the bushy shrub in spring, followed by dark purple-black berries.
How to grow bay laurel from seed?
To propagate a bay laurel from seed, collect the seeds from the berries of a female laurel tree. Then plant the seeds directly in the ground. Alternatively, you can dry the seeds and plant them later. When you come to sow the seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours and germinate them in a moist potting medium and keep them in a warm place.
Why Are Laurel Bay Leaves Turning Yellow?
If you notice yellow bay leaves on your plant, it’s a good idea to hold off watering to allow the ground to dry.
What is the best soil for a bay laurel tree?
The best soil for bay laurels should have good levels of organic matter such as peat moss, composted manure, leaf mold, and humus. However, bay laurel adapts well to many soil types. But the most important factor when planting a bay laurel tree is that the ground is well-draining.
How to grow a bay leaf tree in a clay pot?
To grow a potted bay leaf tree, choose a clay pot 12” (30 cm) wide and grow the laurel tree in a mixture of potting soil, compost, and perlite. Water whenever the top 2” (5 cm) of soil is dry, pouring enough water until it drains from the pot ’s drainage holes.
What is a laurel tree?
The laurel tree is an evergreen shrub-like tree with aromatic, dark-green, lance-shaped leaves, clusters of pale-yellow flowers, and small black berries. Also called sweet bay, the bushy plant thrives in warm climates as a small tree, potted shrub, or evergreen hedge. This bushy shrub is easy to grow and makes a great addition to a garden landscape or container garden.
Why are my bay laurel leaves turning brown?
Overwatering bay laurel plants indoors or outdoors can cause severe root rot. In addition, fungal diseases like phytophthora develop in the soil and destroy the roots . This may result in bay leaves turning brown and wilting, and you may notice streaky bark.
Where does the Laurel grow?
Growing from 2 to 16 feet high, this laurel is native to the mountains of Oregon and California. Hardy in zones 7-10, it thrives in full or partial sun, and it produces small yellow flowers in the Spring. It can be either a tree or a shrub, and it has fragrant, lance-shaped leaves that can be used instead of sweet bay leaves, producing a much stronger flavor.
What is a laurel with a yellowish green flower called?
Also called the Variegata, this type of laurel has female flowers and leaves that are green but have large yellow speckles on them. It is a round evergreen shrub with beautiful large leaves that are certain to catch your attention.
Why Choose the Laurel Plants?
Many of these shrubs are very tolerant of both wet and dry conditions, as well as both warm and cold temperatures. In fact, many of them can be grown anywhere except in places where the soil is chalky or waterlogged, making them a very versatile and popular plant.
How big do cherry laurel plants get?
Best when grown in full sun and moist but well-drained soil, the Cherry Laurel has small white flowers that are sometimes hidden behind its leaves, which are broad, leathery, and can get up to 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. A spring-blooming shrub, this laurel produces tiny black berries in the Fall.
Why do colleges give graduates a laurel wreath?
The words “laureate” and “baccalaureate” derive from the significance of the laurel leaves, and even today many colleges award college graduates with a laurel wreath to reward them for their achievements.
Why are laurel leaves placed under pillows?
Laurel leaves were once thought to inspire creativity and therefore, they were placed under the pillows of people who needed to be creative for their jobs or hobbies. It is thought that laurel leaves help a person come up with ideas quickly, and it all starts with placing the leaves underneath that person’s pillow.
What is the state flower of Pennsylvania?
One type of the laurel flowers, the mountain laurel, is the chosen state flower of Pennsylvania since the 1930s. It’s not actually a flower but an evergreen shrub that can grow 6-10 feet tall crowned with an umbrella of red, pink or white blooms. Native Americans made spoons out of the bark of the mountain laurel.
How tall is a bay laurel?
When grown in its native Mediterranian area, it can reach up to 60 feet (18.28 meters) tall. The leaves on this laurel variety are better known as bay leaves and are frequently used in cooking.
What are the characteristics of a laurel?
So, what are the identifying features of a laurel? Laurels usually have a strong scent. The leaves are typically evergreen, which means they stay green all year long, and they have a leathery texture. The flowers usually grow in clusters and can be yellow, white, or green.
What is a laurel vine?
Laurel clock vine's scientific name is Thunbergia laurifolia. The name suggests that it's a laurel, but it's actually not. It was given its name laurifolia because of its laurel-shaped leaves, which is why it's often mistaken as a laurel. This plant is a vining plant that grows small purple flowers. It's native to tropical regions in Asia but may be invasive in other areas. It's often used for medicinal purposes.
How tall does a Japanese laurel grow?
The flowers they grow range from red to purple, followed by bright red berries that have beautiful contrast to the speckled leaves. This plant shouldn't reach more than 10 feet (3 meters) and grows best in woodland areas where water is readily available.
How tall is a laurel tree?
It boasts beautiful clusters of yellow flowers that look fuzzy from afar. When grown outside of ideal conditions, it should reach up to 26 feet (8 meters) tall.
What is a mirror bush?
The mirror bush has become a favorable hedge in suburban areas. It grows quickly and can adapt to almost any climate. The plant has green leaves that are incredibly glossy, which is how it got its nickname.
What does a cherry tree smell like?
The flowers are white, and the tree has a strong scent that smells like cherries. Some may find the scent to be overwhelming. This tree is considered invasive on the Pacific coast.
What is a bay plant?
July 29, 2020 by Kristine Lofgren. Bay is one of those plants that attracts ornamental growers and herb gardeners alike. That’s because it serves as a beautiful addition to the garden, and it’s also one of those plants that’s essential for any serious home cook. You might be wondering if you can grow bay (also known as sweet bay or bay laurel) ...
How tall is a bay plant?
Willow leaf bay, as this cultivar is also known, stays quite compact for a bay plant. It rarely reaches taller than 20 feet, and has narrow leaves that resemble those of a willow tree.
What is a wavy bay?
It has leaves that are undulating and wavy at the edges (hence its common name, wavy bay), which adds a nice touch of texture to a potted herb garden.
Where to keep golden bay?
Also known as golden bay, It makes a particularly attractive container option to keep on a patio or near a doorway because of its bright golden-yellow leaves.
Can you grow bay bonsai on a windowsill?
Regardless, bay is the answer. It’s so versatile that you can grow it as a bonsai on a windowsill, or let it sprawl out into a tree for your patio in a half-barrel planter. No one even has to know that you can also use this gorgeous decorative plant to make your meals extra tasty.