Bay trees are a quick-growing evergreen once common in the Mediterranean and now a common inhabitant of temperate gardens world-wide. Their leaves, berries, and wood have become a part of the culinary traditions of these locations, even appearing on flags and coinage in Peru and Japan. Bay is typically grown in pots for colder climates.

Varieties and Shaping

Laurus nobilis, or the bay laurel, accepts pruning and stem-shaping. Seranata offers on-line ordering and delivery to most mainland UK addresses for several varieties of shaped trees. Bay trees can be purchased with bushy tops, pruned into pyramidal shape, with plaited stem, and with corkscrew stem. Since the tree is a fast grower, it will be wise to refresh your pruning techniques.

Care and Use

The bay laurel is versatile in habit, though temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit can kill it. Be sure in-ground locations are well-sheltered from heat and cold. Growing in containers is preferable for mainland UK climates. Be sure to monitor soil each year, especially if the tree is showing signs of distress, and use an iron rich fertilizer when necessary to ensure the leaves remain dark green.

Bay trees can be kept small with pruning, so larger pots are unnecessary for several years. When a larger pot is needed, be sure to increase size gradually to minimize shock. Too much or too little moisture for the shallow roots will cause yellowing of the leaves, though the tree will recover once conditions are again favourable.

Bay trees are a great addition to any herb garden. The leaves become most fragrant after weeks of drying and are used primarily in meat stews and soups, and seafood. Of course, anywhere the bay laurel grows, one will find dishes making use of it. The leaves are also used to repel pantry moths.