Bay Trees

Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis), produces the aromatic bay leaves that add flavour to meat dishes and milk puddings, so can be considered another garden crop.

But bay trees are also very popular for giving a cool, urban look to your garden, most often seen as standards, trimmed into pyramids or lollipop shapes and stood in pots or planters on either side of the front door.

 

They can, however, be planted in beds and borders and left to grow naturally, but please be aware that without pruning they will grow to 12m (40ft) high, with a spread of 10m (32ft).

 

When planting a bay tree: whether planting into a bed, border or container, ensure that your tree is set to the same depth as the soil mark on the trunk. Bay trees are hardy, but need a sheltered position as extreme hot or cold conditions and wind scorch can affect the leaves. 

 

For the elegant look, plant into a container of your choice, using Cleeve Nursery own brand peat reduced and soil based multipurpose compost. During the growing season, liquid feed approximately once a month with a general liquid fertiliser and water your bay tree when conditions are dry. During high temperatures it is advisable to move your containerised bay tree into a slightly shaded spot.

 

For bay trees in beds and borders, top dress during the summer period with a general base fertiliser such as Fish Blood and Bone Meal. Bays have a very shallow root system, so do take care when weeding around the stem.

 

Prune your bay tree in spring or early summer.