Laurus nobilis, the laurel with aromatic leaves
Laurus nobilis
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 7b (-15°C ≤ T° < -12.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Genus
- Laurus
- Species
- Laurel Laurus nobilis
Like ficus carica, Laurus nobilis is an emblematic tree of the Mediterranean basin. Gardeners appreciate it for its ornamental qualities, cooks for its aromatic properties. This member of the Lauraceae family is also known as true laurel, bay laurel or noble laurel.
How to recognize Laurus nobilis
Laurus nobilis is a bushy shrub. Despite their slow growth, laurels can reach heights of seven meters and widths of four meters when fully grown.
The tree is easily recognized by its evergreen foliage. The leaves are alternate and lanceolate with a wavy edge. Because of their dense consistency, they are described as tough. The leaf blade is dark green above and light green below. When crumpled, it gives off a strong, distinctive odor.
The flowers are white or yellowish, and grow in umbels.
Laurel fruits are fleshy and oval, resembling black olives one to two centimetres long.
Unlike oleander or cherry laurel, Laurus nobilis is not poisonous- quite the contrary. Its leaves are used as a condiment in Europe, Africa and Asia. But its use goes beyond the kitchen. It has been attributed medicinal virtues and is used in cosmetics such as Aleppo soap.
The tree is also deeply rooted in mythology. Laurus nobilis symbolized Apollo, the Greek god of the arts. It was also used to weave crowns for victors in ancient Rome and Athens. In Europe, Laurus nobilis and its leaves are synonymous with glory. The shrub's popularity extends beyond the shores of the Mediterranean: in China, it is associated with immortality.
Our care tips
With a little water, well-drained soil and protection from sub-zero temperatures, your Laurel doesn't need much to flourish.
Watering
Potted plants need regular watering. However, to avoid root rot, allow the substrate to dry out between waterings.
You can use mains water. If it's hard, use reclaimed rainwater instead.
Don't forget to remove any stagnant water from the dish.
Spray
Your Laurus nobilis hates wet foliage. Don't mist the plant.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Laurus nobilis to give it more space.
Choose a pierced pot slightly larger than the previous one, and rather heavy. Its weight will prevent your Laurel from tipping over in windy conditions.
At the bottom, pour a layer of gravel or clay balls: this helps drainage.
Fill with potting soil for trees and shrubs. Plant your plant. The rootball should be three to five centimetres below the edge. Fill in and compact. Water for the first time to allow the soil to compact naturally.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Laurus nobilis, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
The substrate is rapidly depleting. As you don't repot every year, feed your Laurel with a soluble tree and shrub fertilizer.
Prune
To control the growth and shape of your Laurel, you can prune. Cut off branches that have become too cumbersome by severing them at the base. Use a clean, sharp hedge trimmer or pruning shears.
Remember that the plant is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.
Remember that the plant is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.
Plantation
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Find a sheltered, sunny spot . It will be ideal for planting your Laurel.
Soak the rootball to rehydrate it. Meanwhile, dig a hole two or three times as big. Remove any stones, weeds or other roots that might hinder the growth of your shrub.
To enrich the soil, you can place a layer of compost at the bottom of the hole. Then place your specimen in the center. The collar should be level with the ground. Fill in with a mixture of garden soil, potting soil and sand.
Water to eliminate air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Finish by mulching the base. This will limit weed growth and water evaporation.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Cut off the end of a branch about fifteen centimeters long. Remove all leaves except the top pair.
Soak the tip of your cutting in cutting hormone.
In cups filled with ordinary potting soil, plant your stem. Keep the soil moist with regular watering and store your cutting under cover.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn pots
- Category
- Shrub
- Tags
- BeginnerRustic
- Origins
- North AfricaWestern AsiaSouthern Europe
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 7b (-15°C ≤ T° < -12.2°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower color
- White
- Fruit color
- Black
Discover plants from the same family
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