A compact evergreen bay tree (Laurus nobilis) grown for its aromatic, edible leaves. It thrives in...A compact evergreen bay tree (Laurus nobilis) grown for its aromatic, edible leaves. It thrives in most soil conditions but prefers a sheltered spot away from cold, leaf-scorching winds. Ideal planted in a container near the front or back door or on a windowsill for easy access while cooking. New leaves appear in early spring and the plant is relatively slow-growing, reaching approximately 1000–3000 mm when mature. It responds well to light pruning and can be trained into shapes. Feed occasionally with a foliar feed and avoid chemical sprays if you use the leaves for cooking; plants have not received chemical treatments during their life, and leaves should be washed before use. Simply to grow fresh leaves, grows in most soil conditions. Fresh leaves appear each spring. Evergreen for all round interest. Often seen as shaped plants, heads on a clear stem or a pyramid, this smaller potted bush is all you need to keep you in fresh supply of bay leaves for your kitchen. This evergreen shrub will grow in most soil conditions but prefers to be out of cold, leaf-scorching winds. Ideally needs to be planted in a container near the front or back door, so the leaves are easily reached with cooking. New leaves will appear in early Spring and the size can be maintained by a regular light prune through the growing season. Relatively slow growing, it won't overtake the area you have planted it in or grow wild on your kitchen side. If you wish, these plants can be trained into shapes and are ideal as a starter plant for this style, offering very good value for money, compared to already shaped plants.
Marshalls Garden Kitchen Bay Tree (Laurus Nobilis) 3 X 14Cm Compact Evergreen Culinary Herb - GreenFree delivery in 1–3 days£36.99Visit shop →
Product Information
Full details
This product guide is for home cooks and gardeners looking for a convenient supply of fresh bay leaves. The key benefit is having aromatic, edible leaves readily available for culinary use directly from your doorstep. A potential caveat is the need to protect it from harsh, cold winds. This compact evergreen bay tree, grown in 14cm pots, offers aromatic, edible leaves perfect for cooking. It thrives in most soil types but prefers shelter and is ideal for containers near doors or on windowsills.
All features
Model Part Number
3 X 14Cm
Brand
Marshalls Garden
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How often should I water my bay tree?
Water regularly, especially when planted in a container, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
Can I grow this bay tree indoors?
Yes, it can be grown indoors, ideally on a sunny windowsill. Ensure good light and avoid placing it directly next to a heat source.
When is the best time to prune the bay tree?
The best time to prune is in late spring or early summer, after the new flush of growth has appeared. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to maintain shape.
Are the leaves safe to eat straight from the tree?
Yes, the leaves are aromatic and edible. However, it is recommended to wash them thoroughly before using them in cooking, as they have not undergone chemical treatments during their growth but may pick up environmental contaminants.
What does '3 X 14cm' mean in the product title?
This indicates that the product includes three individual bay trees, each potted in a 14cm diameter pot.
Can I train this bay tree into a specific shape?
Yes, this plant is suitable for training into shapes like a pyramid or a standard (head on a clear stem). It's an ideal starter plant for shaping.
Does this plant need full sun?
It prefers a sheltered spot and can tolerate partial shade, but thrives best with good light. Avoid direct, harsh sun during the hottest part of the day, especially in summer, and protect it from cold, drying winds.
Troubleshooting
Leaves turning brown or scorched
The tree may be exposed to cold winds. Move to a more sheltered location or provide wind protection.
Yellowing leaves
This could indicate overwatering or a lack of nutrients. Check soil moisture and consider occasional foliar feeding.
Slow growth
Ensure adequate sunlight and water. Light pruning can encourage bushier growth. Growth is naturally slow.
Pests on leaves
If leaves are for consumption, avoid chemical sprays. Try natural pest control methods or manual removal. Wash leaves thoroughly before use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides a constant supply of fresh bay leaves for cooking.
Evergreen nature offers year-round visual appeal.
Relatively slow-growing, making it easy to manage in smaller spaces.
Can be grown in containers, offering flexibility in placement.
Tolerates most soil conditions.
Can be trained into decorative shapes.
Cons
Requires shelter from cold, leaf-scorching winds.
Leaves need to be washed before use.
May require occasional feeding with foliar feed.
Not suitable for extremely harsh, exposed locations.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Use a good quality, well-draining compost.
Plant the bay tree at the same depth it was in its nursery pot.
Compatibility:
Soil: Thrives in most soil conditions but prefers a well-drained mix when in a container.
Location: Prefers a sheltered spot away from cold, leaf-scorching winds. Ideal for patios, doorways, or windowsills.
Care:
Watering: Water regularly, especially when in containers, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Feed occasionally with a foliar feed during the growing season.
Pruning: Respond well to light pruning to maintain shape and size. Prune in late spring or early summer after new leaves have appeared.
Pest/Disease: Avoid chemical sprays if using leaves for cooking. Plants have not received chemical treatments during their life. Wash leaves thoroughly before use.