Description
Bay (Laurus nobilis) instant hedging is sometimes also called ‘Sweet Bay’ or ‘Bay Laurel’ and is an evergreen shrub that can reach to well over 5 metres in the right conditions. It is best know for its dark green semi glossy leaves which have a strong aromatic scent if they are bruised or crushed. It is for this aroma and flavour that it is used in the cooking of Stews and Soups.
Bay (Laurus nobilis)instant hedge is suitable for being grown in nearly all soil types but it does not do well in wet conditions. Coming originally from the Mediterranean it has been grown in the United Kingdom since the 16th Century. As it is of Mediterranean origin it does need to be grown in sheltered spots or in big cities to prevent it getting its foliage browned by frost.
Much used in Europe for formal standards and pyramids the bay is suitable for close trimming and shaping. If allowed to be a bit more natural it will have small yellowish green flowers on the stems. This plant is the ‘Laurel’ of the ancients and the leaves were once used for making the crowns for triumphant heroes and the Roman Emperors. It is not related in anyway to the Common Laurel or the Portugal Laurel.
Bay (laurus nobilis) instant hedge was given an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1984
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| ASPECT | Coast Exposed | Coast Sheltered | Inland Exposed | Inland Sheltered | Heavy Shade | |||||||
| HEIGHT | Less then 1m | 1-2.5m | 2.5-5m | Over 5m | ||||||||
| SOIL | Heavy Clay | Medium Loam | Light Sandy | Peat | Acid | Alkaline | Poorly Drained | |||||
| TRIMMING | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| FEEDING | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| FLOWERING | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| HARDINESS | Hardy to -10°C | Hardy to below -10°C | GROWTH RATE | 30cm per year | ||||||||
