Bay Laurel

Commonly known as bay laurel, sweet bay, bay tree, true laurel, or Grecian laurel, Laurus nobilis features aromatic, dark green leaves that can be used fresh or dried to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, sauces, and more. In addition to its culinary value, this dense evergreen shrub—capable of slowly growing into a small tree—makes a striking addition to gardens with its natural pyramidal shape. Bay laurel can be easily sheared into a formal hedge or topiary and also grows well in patio containers.

This versatile evergreen thrives in California’s Mediterranean climate and requires minimal maintenance once established. Laurus nobilis is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and performs well in both coastal and inland gardens. Though classified as a tree, its slow growth allows for easy maintenance as a shrub at the desired size. Over time, it can reach up to 15 feet tall and wide.

Planting - Plant Laurus nobilis in a sunny location that gets 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While adaptable to a variety of soil types, good drainage is essential.

Watering - Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, reduce watering frequency.

Fertilizing - Bay laurel grown in the ground generally doesn’t require additional fertilizer. However, container plants should be fed in the spring with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Pruning - Prune in late winter as needed to maintain the desired shape and size.

Winter Hardiness - Laurus nobilis is hardy to 10°F and grows best in USDA zones 8-11.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis Multi) – Privacy Hedge Spacing Guide

When planting Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis Multi), spacing depends on the container size and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in. Below are the spacing recommendations for achieving an instant privacy hedge—a full, dense look immediately upon planting—along with the number of shrubs needed for 20 linear feet.

Instant Privacy Hedge

For immediate, dense coverage, plant the shrubs closer together, ensuring that their leaves almost touch. This creates a full privacy screen right away, offering maximum privacy, noise reduction, and a lush, green backdrop without the need to wait for the hedge to mature over time.

On-Center Spacing

On-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants. This method ensures uniform spacing across the hedge, promoting even growth and a consistent appearance.