Full Answer
What is the difference between sweet bay and bay laurel?
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.
How fast does sweet bay laurel grow?
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.
How big do sweet bay laurels get?
Reaches 12 to 15 ft. tall and wide; taller if grown as a single-trunk tree. Inconspicuous; foliage prized for culinary use. This is a fantastic evergreen tree and is the source of culinary bay and the famous laurels of Greek antiquity.
Is bay laurel Fast growing?
A slow-growing hedge, Bay Laurel will typically grow around 10-20cm per year and is easily maintained at 1-2m. It is a low-maintenance hedging plant, only requiring a light trim in summer to help it keep its shape.
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.
Are sweet bay tree roots invasive?
Laurus nobilis has a widely-spreading root system, so it's important to keep a safe distance when planting it near your home or other structures. The roots can easily penetrate leaky pipes, so avoid planting it near water or sewer lines. The tree can be cultivated as an ornamental plant or as a shade tree.
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 far apart should laurel bushes be planted?
between 2 and 3 feetHow far apart should I plant laurel plants to form a hedge? All types of laurel should be planted between 2 and 3 feet (60-90cm) apart. If you want a quick screen then plant your laurel hedging plants at 2ft apart but if you are willing to wait a bit longer, you will get just as dense a hedge by planting at 3ft apart.
Which is the best laurel hedge?
Portugal Laurel is the hardiest, and it also is the laurel hedge that clips the best. Common Laurel is the fastest growing laurel hedge and its large leaves are most effective at providing a sound and light barrier. It is the ideal evergreen hedge to reduce traffic pollution.
Is bay laurel a good hedge?
The Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis makes an excellent bushy evergreen hedging plant, especially near the coast and its aromatic leaves will always be welcome in the kitchen. A great hedge, shrub or topiary specimen that needs a warm and sunny spot.
What is the fastest growing hedge for privacy?
With growth rates from 3 to 5 feet per year the fastest growing privacy hedges are Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Cryptomeria Radicans, and Wax Myrtle. Carolina Sapphire Cypress, Nellie Stevens Holly, Oakland Holly, and Wavy Leaf Ligustrum offer fast privacy with 2 to 3 feet of upward growth per year.
How do you care for sweet bay laurel?
Bay laurel grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, and it is an effective screen and hedge tree.Feed a bay laurel every two weeks throughout the growing season. ... Water the bay laurel regularly so that its soil is constantly moist but not saturated.More items...