The Bay Tree, also known as Sweet Bay, Laurel, Sweet Laurel and Grecian Laurel

Laurel grows in the form of a perennial evergreen tree and can grow up to a height of 8m or 26ft. Because of the growth and leaf style of sweet bay, it lends itself perfectly for trimming and cultivating into a topiary design.

Laurel has small yellow flowers, which appear in the spring and then green oval berries, which ultimately turn black in the autumn.

History of Laurel/Bay

Although laurel is now found the world over, laurel originated in southern Europe.

Laurel was a much-revered plant in Roman times and it’s Latin name, Lauraceae nobilis means ‘praise’ laurus, and ‘noble’ or ‘famous’, nobilis.

A wreath made from the laurel/bay became a mark of excellence or a symbol of wisdom for athletes and poets. ‘Laureate’ means crowned with laurels, hence Poet Laureate.

Culpeper wrote in the 17th Century that ‘neither witch nor devil, thunder nor lightning, will hurt a man in the place where a bay-tree is’. He also wrote ‘the berries are very effectual against the poison of venomous creatures and the stings of wasps and bees’.

However, laurel was also sacred to the Greek god of prophecy, poetry and healing, Apollo. The roof of his temple was made of bay leaves, primarily to protect against disease, lightning and witchcraft.

Aesculapius, Apollo’s son, had bay dedicated to him as it was considered a powerful antiseptic and guard against disease, including the plague.

Growing Laurel/ Bay

The roots of the laurel tree are very shallow and are therefore more likely to suffer frost damage. Leaves of the laurel are also easily scorched in cold weather or strong cold winds.

Protection for laurel trees is therefore essential, especially for plants less than 2 years old.

When planting out, the laurel tree should be positioned in full sun in a sheltered spot and in a rich well-drained soil.

Laurel should be planted at least 3 feet away from other plants, allowing more space as the tree matures.

Laurel will need mulching in the spring to keep moisture throughout the summer months.

Growing Laurel from seed

The seeds of laurel should be planted in the spring and sown on the surface of a seed tray or directly into pots. The laurel seeds should be kept warm until germination takes place, which should be between 10 - 20 days. Laurel germinates somewhat erratically, so seeds may even take up to a year to produce a shoot. Ensure the compost is not too wet or the seeds will rot.

Harvesting leaves from the Laurel/Bay Tree

The leaves from the bay tree can be harvested all year, as the laurel is evergreen. The berries from the bay tree are cultivated for use in laurel oil and laurel butter. Laurel butter is a key ingredient of laurin ointment, which is used in the veterinary field.