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Laurus nobilis Jerusalem - Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis De Jerusalem
Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Sweet Bay

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An interesting variety for its rapid growth. This shrub has very aromatic evergreen foliage whose fresh or dried leaves are used to flavour sauces and simmered dishes. Combined with thyme, rosemary and parsley, they make up the indispensable bouquet garni. Plant out in spring or autumn, harvest the leaves all year round.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
3 m
Spread at maturity
2 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
Best planting time April, October
Recommended planting time April to June, September to October
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Flowering time March to April
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Harvest time January to March, June to December
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Description

The Jerusalem Bay Leaf is a selection of Laurus nobilis interesting for its faster growth, a major asset for hurried gardeners or for those who grow the plant in a pot. It is an attractive bush with evergreen foliage, remarkably aromatic. Its leaves, combined with thyme, rosemary and parsley, will form an ideal bouquet garni to flavour simmered dishes and sauces. Plant in spring or autumn, harvest the leaves all year round.

The Bay Laurel bush, originally from the Mediterranean rim, was a symbol of victory in ancient times. Its lanceolate, evergreen leaves contain an essential oil with a characteristic aroma. Like its wild ancestor, the Jerusalem Bay is hardy down to -10°C. It grows more rapidly, however, allowing leaf harvest from the second or third year of cultivation. Can be planted as a standalone shrub or in a hedge, and also cultivated in a vegetable or ornamental garden or even in a large pot. Allow room, because it will quickly take up space. If not pruned, it can reach 8 m (26 ft) in height and 2.50 m (8 ft) in width in open ground.  Although not essential, pruning the bay laurel will control its height and can give it a decorative shape. The bay leaf blooms in spring, in the form of small cream-coloured flowers. There are male and female subjects in the bay leaf. Only the latter bear berries, in the presence of a male subject. These berries are used in the manufacture of Aleppo soap.

The Jerusalem Laurel is adapted to summer drought: once well rooted, it can go without watering even in hot regions. Plant it in loose and deep soil, in the sun or partial shade.

Unlike the oleander and cherry laurel, the leaves of the bay leaf are edible. Used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with thyme, parsley and rosemary, bay leaves flavour simmered dishes, sauces, marinades and court-bouillons. They are also used in infusion.

Harvest: pick the leaves all year round, as and when needed. However, avoid the flowering period which makes the leaves more bitter.

Preservation: the leaves are best consumed freshly picked to fully enjoy their flavour. However you can dry them, by hanging a bouquet of stems upside down in a dry and airy place. Then store them in a container protected from light and moisture.

A little gardener's tip: To retain moisture in summer and protect from cold in winter, we advise mulching the soil with successive thin layers of clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps moisture in the soil and also reduces weeding.

Harvest

Harvest time January to March, June to December
Type of vegetable Aromatic
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Flavour, Nutritional value
Flavour spicy
Use Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 3 m
Spread at maturity 2 m
Growth rate fast

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased
Product reference169091

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Planting and care

The Jerusalem Bay Laurel prefers deep, soft soil and full sun or possibly partial shade. Alkaline soils do not bother it. It appreciates a sheltered site. Planting the young shrub out in the spring or in autumn (in a mild climate). A few months before planting, work the soil and add well-rotted compost.

At planting loosen the soil, going down deep. If your soil is wet, add sand. Soak the root ball in water for 1/2 hour before planting. Dig a hole (3 times the volume of the root ball), place the root ball inside and cover with fine soil. Press down well and water generously. Install a stake during the first two years of growth. During cultivation, only water in case of drought. Add compost to the soil surface every year, in the spring. Cut off flowers to avoid spontaneous sowing.

Pruning is not essential but is sometimes necessary, depending on its location in the garden. The laurel can also be trained with topiary, to give it a decorative shape. Pruning takes place after flowering in the spring, and if necessary in the autumn. It is also possible to cut back the bay laurel completely, to 20 cm (8 in) from the soil, especially in case of more severe frosts.

Bay Laurel can be cultivated in a pot. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Fill with potting soil, leaving a hole for the root ball, and cover with soil. Water regularly, without leaving it in standing water. Plan to repot every 2 to 3 years.

Cultivation

Best planting time April, October
Recommended planting time April to June, September to October

Care

Soil moisture Dry
Disease resistance Good

Intended location

Type of use Free-standing, Container, Hedge, Vegetable garden
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil Deep, soft, well-drained
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained), 130,187

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