The Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a shrub or tree with aromatic leaves, native to the Mediterranean region, and widely recognized for its culinary applications, making it a popular choice in gardens, vegetable gardens, and orchards around the world. With its evergreen foliage, the bay laurel is valued not only in gastronomy but also in landscaping for its aromatic and elegant leaves, which add a shiny dark green texture to the environment. It is often used in topiary and as a hedge due to its ability to tolerate intense pruning, adapting well to different garden styles. Its popularity extends from regions with a Mediterranean climate to more temperate areas, where it is cultivated in various types of gardens, from public to institutional and residential.
The etymology of Laurus nobilis reflects the historical reverence this plant has received over the centuries. The term ‘Laurus‘ is derived from Latin, meaning ‘bay’, a direct reference to the leaves that are traditionally used as a symbol of honor and victory, from which the word ‘laureate’ originates. The adjective ‘nobilis‘, also from Latin, means ‘notable’ or ‘noble’, alluding both to its prominent stature in nature and its symbolic status in our culture.
The bay laurel, also known as sweet bay or true laurel, is native to the Mediterranean region, covering parts of southern Europe and northern Africa. Laurus nobilis is one of the few species remaining from the ancient laurel forests that once widely covered the Mediterranean Basin in more humid periods of the past. With the intensification of the dry climate during the Pliocene, these forests were replaced by more drought-tolerant vegetation, such as the sclerophyllous shrubland, which includes Rosemary and Olive.
Small remaining populations still exist in mountainous areas of southern Turkey, northern Syria, southern Spain, northern Morocco, central-northern Portugal, as well as the Canary Islands and Madeira. The species grows well in well-drained and sunny soils, thriving in forests and woodland edges, and has successfully adapted to other regions with similar climates.
The Bay Laurel grows as a woody perennial plant, with a shrubby to tree-like stature, typically reaching a height of 20 to 59 feet (6 to 18 meters), with a canopy that can extend up to 33 feet (10 meters) wide and a trunk diameter of up to 3.3 feet (1 meter). The roots are fibrous and well-developed, suitable for supporting the size of the tree.
The trunk is erect with gray bark and a smooth texture, which may become fissured with age. The tree has moderate growth and branches from the base, forming a dense, rounded crown.
The Bay Laurel leaves are persistent, alternate, and have a lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate shape, measuring 2.4 to 4.7 inches (6 to 12 cm) in length and 0.8 to 1.6 inches (2 to 4 cm) in width. The petiole is short, making the leaves appear almost sessile. Initially, the leaves are reddish in color, developing into a bright dark green on the upper surface and paler on the underside, with a leathery and smooth texture without pubescence. The leaf margin is entire and may be slightly wavy.
Laurus nobilis is a dioecious plant, bearing male and female flowers on separate individuals. Flowering typically occurs in spring. The inflorescences are formed by sessile umbels located in the leaf axils, composed of small, discrete, yellow-greenish flowers. The flowers have radial symmetry and do not have a notable fragrance. Pollination is mainly carried out by insects. The fruits are berry-like, resembling drupes, ovoid in shape and black when mature, measuring about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length, and are considered more ornamental than edible. Each fruit contains a single large, smooth, oblong seed, mainly dispersed by birds.
Among the many varieties of Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Bay Laurel, there are some that stand out for their unique characteristics. Below are types of Bay Laurel that are popular in gardens and kitchens around the world:
- Laurus nobilis ‘Aurea’: This variety is notable for its golden leaves, which add a contrasting touch of color in predominantly green gardens.
- Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia: Known as Narrow-Leaved Bay, this form has thinner and longer leaves, ideal for ornamental use and topiary.
- Laurus nobilis ‘Crispa’: With its wavy leaves, this cultivar adds an interesting texture to landscaping.
- Laurus nobilis ‘Saratoga’: This cultivar has a more compact growth and is excellent for small spaces or container growing, plus it is more resistant to pests.
The Bay is a plant rich in history and symbolism. In Ancient Greece, it was considered sacred to the god Apollo and used to make laurel wreaths, a symbol of victory and honor to be presented only to the victors. During the Roman Empire, the bay continued to be associated with prestige, being used to crown victorious generals and emperors. This symbolism persisted through the centuries and influenced expressions like “to reap the laurels,” which refers to recognition for notable achievements.
In cooking, bay leaves impart flavor and complexity to broths, stews, meats, sauces, drinks, and marinades. The leaves are generally used whole and removed before serving, as their flavor is intense and the fibrous leaves are not very pleasant to eat. Additionally, the bay is an essential ingredient in various culinary traditions, such as Mediterranean, French, Portuguese, and Brazilian, being valued both for its aroma and its digestive properties. A true Brazilian feijoada or a Paranaense barreado prominently features bay leaves as one of their key ingredients.
Its leaves, used whole or in powder form, release a complex aroma, slightly woody, with resinous notes and a subtly bitter taste that enhances the profile of meats, vegetables, and grains. Its dried branches are used in artisanal smoking, giving foods a deep, herbaceous fragrance, much appreciated in cheeses, cured meats, and smoked meats. Beyond its uses as a seasoning, Bay is also used to treat digestive problems and inflammations. Its essential oil is also used in cosmetic and therapeutic products.
Bay laurel is often used in landscaping projects both for its beauty and utility. As a perennial plant with dense, dark green foliage, it serves as an excellent backdrop for more colorful flowers or can be used as a formal or informal hedge. In home gardens, bay laurel can be planted individually as a centerpiece or grouped to form natural barriers or decorative edges. Its only drawback is that it grows slowly, which can turn into an advantage over time, as it will require less maintenance once well established.
Besides its ornamental applications and use as a seasoning, bay laurel also attracts wildlife, especially birds that feed on its fruits. The plant can be combined with other Mediterranean species such as lavender and rosemary to create a drought-resistant garden with a variety of textures and aromas. Being resistant to many pests and diseases, bay laurel is a robust choice for many gardeners looking for beauty and durability with low maintenance.
Bay laurel is also an elegant choice for interior decoration, offering evergreen and aromatic foliage that adds sophistication to environments. Grown in pots, it adapts well to indoor spaces, as long as it is placed in areas with good light and ventilation, being ideal for kitchens, living rooms, balconies, and areas near windows. In colder climates, it’s advisable to protect bay laurel from cold drafts and ensure it receives indirect sunlight during the winter.
Bay laurel prefers locations with full sun or partial shade, adapting well to a wide range of temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates. The plant is capable of tolerating temperatures ranging from 23°F (-5°C) to 86°F (30°C), but is sensitive to severe frosts and extreme cold. In temperate climates, it is advisable to grow it in pots and protect it indoors during the winter. Although originating from the Mediterranean, it cannot be considered a typical sclerophyllous plant. Strong winds and maritime conditions can cause damage to the leaves, so sheltered locations are recommended for their cultivation.
The ideal soil for growing Bay Laurel should be well-drained, fertile, and with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. In pots, the soil should be lightweight and ensure good drainage. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. The plant is drought tolerant once established, but does not tolerate waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
For healthy Bay Laurel cultivation, plant the seedlings in a permanent location, calculating enough space for the development of the canopy. Fertilize annually with organic composts or balanced fertilizers in early spring, such as NPK 10-10-10 (10-10-10). Pruning can be performed to maintain the desired shape and remove dry or diseased branches. Applying mulching helps maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
When grown in pots, it is advisable to replant them every two years. Replanting is an ideal time for pruning overgrown roots and renewing the potting mix, which becomes compacted and depleted over time. Always use a drainable potting mix, which does not need to be as rich in organic matter, and can be poorer than that used for other plants.
Bay laurel leaves should preferably be harvested from adult plants, removing the older and more mature leaves, which contain a higher concentration of essential oils, or during regular pruning. After harvesting, it is recommended to dry them in the shade in a ventilated area for a few days, which intensifies their aroma and preserves their culinary properties.
Bay laurel is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by mealybugs and some fungal diseases, such as leaf spot. Mealybugs represent its main enemy, being present in up to 90% of cultivated plants. The sugary secretion they produce promotes the growth of sooty mold, which compromises the plant’s appearance and photosynthesis by covering leaves and branches with a dark film.
Another frequent problem is the infestation by psyllids, such as Trioza alacris, whose bites deform the leaves, causing them to curl and show visible symptoms even when the insect is not easily observable. Aphids may also appear, especially during periods of active growth, making it important to conduct frequent inspections for early management. To prevent issues, keep the plants well-ventilated and avoid watering the leaves during irrigation. Regular inspections help in the early detection of problems, allowing for more effective and less aggressive treatments.
Bay laurel propagation can occur either through seeding or air layering. To obtain viable seeds, it is necessary to collect them from populations with individuals of both sexes, since Laurus nobilis is a dioecious species. Germination is enhanced by mechanical scarification followed by a moist and cold stratification for about 30 days, a process needed to overcome physiological dormancy.
Vegetative multiplication through air layering is an efficient alternative, especially in well-established adult plants and in cultivars that we wish to propagate and maintain the original characteristics. Air layering involves the removal of a ring of bark from a semi-woody branch, which should then be wrapped with moist substrate and protected with plastic until rooting. After root formation, the branch is separated from the mother plant and transplanted, creating a new specimen genetically identical and already adapted to local conditions. The plant may take several years to flower for the first time, usually not before reaching 5 to 10 years of age under ideal cultivation conditions.
