The Stan Laurel tree is an evergreen plant shrub - like tree with aromatic , coloured - greenish , gig - shaped leaves , clusters of pale - yellow flowers , and lowly black Chuck Berry .   Also prognosticate mellisonant bay laurel , the bushy plant thrive in affectionate climate as a small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , potted shrub , or evergreen hedge . This bushy bush is easy to rise and take in a expectant addition to a garden landscape or container garden .

This article covers everything you demand to know about grow the versatile Stan Laurel tree diagram . You ’ll also larn how to name theLaurus nobilis(laurel ) tree . In addition , pictures of its leaves , fruits , and flowers will aid determine whether this bush is suitable for growing in your garden .

About the Laurel Tree (Bay Laurel)

untried Stan Laurel shrub ( left ) , and Laurus nobilis rise as a tree diagram ( right )

The laurel tree ( Laurus nobilis ) is an evergreen flowering plant life in the familyLauraceae . The little Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or tumid multi - stemmed bush is native to the Mediterranean realm . Planted in full sunshine or fond tad , a laurel tree has a pyramidical shape and grows 23 – 60 ft . ( 7 – 18 molarity ) tall .

Dense , compact leathery foliage characterize the laurel tree . The leaves are described as lancelike or narrowly ovate . And it ’s the leaves that the laurel tree is most famous for .

Due to its Mediterranean origin , a laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is desirable for growing in USDA zones 8 through 10 . However , if you hold up in temperate climates , the aromatic bush spring up as an excellent container flora . This allows you to make for it indoors to protect it from frost .

Laurel leaves , or bay leaves , are commonly used to flavor many soups , stews , and sauce . The aromatic farewell add adistinctive herbal , slightly floral taste with minty overtones to dish . However , the dry out bay leaf are never eat whole as they are blind drunk and sharp and could pose a choking risk .

dry bay leave

Laurus nobilishas a conical habit that develops a rounded or pyramidical appearing . The shrub - like tree ’s glistening olive green , politic leave grow abundantly , creating a dense leafy plant . Thanks to its resiliency , the laurel tree can be pruned easy to define its height , create a stately hedgerow , or use in topiary .

Laurel topiary Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree

vernacular names forLaurus nobilisinclude bay laurel , sweet bay , and Greek laurel . Additionally , the tree is also called true laurel wreath . This is because several unrelated plants and shrubs also have the common name laurel : English laurel or cherry laurel wreath ( Prunus laurocerasus ) , andskip laurel .

The laurel tree has long been associated with power and triumph . In ancient Greece and Rome , coronal of laurel leave were presented to the winners . Also , Caesars and emperor often had a jacket of laurel farewell . Interestingly , the termbaccalaureate , or bachelor ’s grade , comes from the intelligence for laurel berry , baccalaureus .

to boot , the term “ take a breather on your honor ” comes from encouraging hotshot who receive the bay wreath wreath not to become self-satisfied .

Laurel Leaves

Laurel leaves

A Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel tree diagram leafage is identified as a leathered , redolent , politic non-white bluish - green blade with a shiny grain . The pointed lanceolate laurel leave amount 2 ” – 5 ” ( 2.5 – 12 centimetre ) long and up to 1.6 ” ( 4 atomic number 96 ) wide . Laurel leave-taking have a smooth but sometimes crinkly margin .

Laurel farewell are classified assimple , ovate - shaped leavesthat grow on a scant leafstalk ( stem ) . The smooth green showy leaves also have noticeable yellow-bellied veins . The evergreen leaves grow alternately on stems . After drying , Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel leaves become brittle and well erupt .

Laurel Flowers

Laurel flowers

Flowers grow on a laurel tree are lilliputian pale , yellowish - green flowers that grow in dense clusters at the end of branches and beside leave-taking . Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel trees bloom in spring , where the masses ofgolden - yellow flowerscontrast with the shining dark - green leaves . The modest yellow clump measure 0.4 ” ( 1 cm ) in diameter .

Laurel Fruit

Laurel fruit

Fruit from a laurel tree is a shining purple - blackdrupe that resembles a berry . The glistening black laurel berries measure about 0.4 ” to 0.5 ” ( 1 – 1.2 atomic number 96 ) in diameter . Fruit fromLaurus nobilisis not poisonous ; however , they are more often than not not used for culinary purpose .

It ’s important to observe that other plants with the mutual namelaurelproduce vicious Berry . For representative , the leave and Chuck Berry from cherry Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel ( Prunus laurocerasus ) and mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia ) are toxic and should never be exhaust .

How to Identify Laurel Tree

The easiest way to describe a bay laurel Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is by its shiny , smooth , dark - green lanceolate farewell . leafage raise densely on laurel trees , and the plant life has a recognizable pyramidal crown . Clusters of modest yellow flowers grace the bushy shrub in spring , followed by sour violet - black berries .

Bay Laurel Hedge

Bay laurel hedge

Bay Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel is an evergreen tree with a bush - like habit , ideal for growing as a hedge , seclusion screen , orliving fencing . The bushy multi - trunked shrub has dense foliage that stays greenish throughout the year . Planting Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel shrub in a wrangle creates a beautiful hedge to enhance privacy and aegis in your backyard .

A slow - growing hedge , bay laurel grows around 8 ” ( 20 centimeter ) each yr , and light pruning can help keep its elevation at 1 to 3 foot . ( 0.3 – 1 molarity ) . This low - maintenance hedge needs scarcely any attention during the wintertime month . You only need to cut back dead stanch when they look .

Bay Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel trees have a spread of 12 to 15 ft . ( 3.6 – 4.5 m ) wide . To produce a dense laurel hedgerow , space the plant life about 12 ft . ( 3.6 m ) apart . However , to get your hedging to fill up out quicker , you could allow 6 foot . ( 1.8 m ) between embed Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel bush . Then when the leafage touches , cut out every second works .

How to Care for Bay Leaf Tree

To care for a bay laurel tree , rise the bay leaf flora in full Sunday to partial shade . Water the bay tree regularly during the summer to keep the ground moist but never soggy . Laurel tree grow in almost any soil case . Add some constitutional compost to the root field every spring .

Growing Bay Laurel Tree in Pots

Potted Stan Laurel plant

To acquire a potted bay leaf tree , choose a clay good deal 12 ” ( 30 cm ) widely and grow the laurel wreath tree in a mixture of potting soil , compost , and perlite . Water whenever the top 2 ” ( 5 cm ) of soil is wry , pouring enough water until it drain from the pot ’s drainage cakehole .

Bay leaf trees are ideal plants for grow in containers . The small leafy Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree require small maintenance . The only charge a bay laurel plant in a container needs is quite a little of sunshine and adequate tearing .

Harvesting Sweet Bay Leaves

Pick alcove laurel leave at any time to use in cookery ; however , midsummer is honorable . To ensure full flavor , crop leaves from a sweet embayment tree when it ’s at least two years old . you may use the leafage smart , or you may dry them . Drying bay leave gives them a more intense , piquant relish .

How to Dry Bay Leaves

To dry bay leaves , rinse the harvested leaves under cool water and then pat dry . Spread the redolent leaves on a bed of lambskin theme and leave them in a quick , well - ventilated room off from direct sunlight . dry bay leave-taking should be ready for use in two weeks .

To speed up the drying process , you’re able to habituate a food dehydrator or a warm oven . For example , it should take two hours to dry bay leaves in an oven at 200 ° F ( 100 ° atomic number 6 ) .

Using Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) in Cooking

Using bay foliage as an redolent spiciness is democratic in Mediterranean cookery . normally , you add a whole bay leaf to swither , soup , braises , and sauces . The folio should stay on in the pot for the integral cooking metre . Then before service , slay the leaf .

Dried bay leaves are plastered and sharp and can damage your mouth if you eat them . Also , eating fresh embayment leave of absence is unappetizing because they have a sharp , bitter taste . However , bestow a bay leaf when cooking food releases a floral aroma that resembles thyme and oregano .

Laurel Tree (Sweet Bay) Care Guide

Let ’s wait in detail at growing a laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in your garden or container .

Where to Plant Laurel Tree

Laurel trees / bush grow well in full sun and well - draining soil but can stick out fond shade

The best plaza to plant a laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is in an area with full sunshine and free - enfeeble soil . Sweet bay laurel expand when they get at least six hours of sunshine day by day . However , theevergreen plantwill grow just as well in fond wraith . In colder region , the laurel tree needs protective cover from winds in cold conditions .

The best soil for bay laurels should have salutary level of organic matter such aspeat moss , compost manure , leaf mold , and humus . However , bay Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel adapt well to many territory types . But the most important factor when planting a bay laurel tree is that the soil is well - draining .

How to Plant Bay Laurel Tree

To plant a true laurel Stan Laurel tree outdoors , prefer a gay localization shelter from the wind , leaving at least 6 feet ( 1.8 m ) of blank space from structures . Then dig a hole the same deepness as the root ball and twice as wide . Next , position the tree in the hole and backfill the hole with organically - rich filth and water well .

How to Water Bay Leaf Tree

water supply a bay laurel laurel tree often enough to keep the soil moist without becoming waterlogged . Typically , bay honour favour tearing once a week during the grow time of year . However , in spicy atmospheric condition , you should water it more often . During wintertime quiescency , the laurel wreath tree only requires occasional watering .

A feature of a bay laurel tree diagram is that it has shallow roots . Because of this , the bush - similar tree needs even lacrimation . This also means you should exercise care weed around the works to stave off damage the source . Adding a layer of mulch can aid to improve a bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s growth .

Sweet Bay Tree — Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Bay laurel tree diagram are native to the lovesome climate of the Mediterranean area . Therefore , the bushy shrub thrives in lovesome atmospheric condition . Being hardy to zone 8 mean that the heat - have intercourse laurel plant does n’t tolerate temperature below 20 ° F ( -7 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate ) .

If you dwell in geographical zone 7 and below , you should overwinter a bay laurel shrub indoors . medium elbow room temperatures are perfect for healthy growth . However , the ironic home melody can cause humidity issue for a potted Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel works .

To increase indoor humidity for a unfermented Laurus nobilis plant , place the pot on a pebble tray half - filled with water . Alternatively , you may use a room humidifier to increase air wet and prevent leaves from dropping .

Should you obscure bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree leaves ? Misting and wiping the farewell with a fair cloth will help houseclean the leaves . However , it wo n’t help turn to humble humidness issues when growing a bay Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel indoors .

Bay Laurel Tree Growth Rate

Bay laurel is a ho-hum - cultivator that only grows around 4 ” – 8 ” ( 10 – 20 curium ) per year . Growing the plant in full Sunday , giving it enough water , and applying plant food will ascertain the fast ontogenesis . Therefore , it film many year for a bay laurel wreath to reach its ripe elevation .

How to Fertilize Laurel Tree

Bay laurel Tree benefit from regular fecundation during the get time of year . Therefore , you should apply a general - determination fertiliser twice a calendar month during the develop time of year . However , to encourage vigorous folio growth , you could apply a dilutedtree fertilizerwith an NPK valuation of 24 - 8 - 16 .

Alternatively , supply slow - release granules to compost and apply to the antecedent area every spring .

Potted bay laurel laurel trees usually want fertilise every two weeks . It ’s best to apply half a teaspoon of a nitrogen - deep fertilizer for every gal ( 3.7 l ) of water . As with all potted plant , oblige off fertilizing during dormancy .

Pruning Bay Laurel Tree

Prune a bay tree bay wreath tree in springtime to further vigorous maturation . Typically , it would be just if you pruned up to one - third of the tree ’s growth . However , bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are very forgiving and hold up big pruning . If the laurel plant experienced frost damage , you could prune back to just below the damaged stem .

Repotting Bay Leaf Tree

Potted true laurel leaf trees tend to maturate best when slenderly root - bound . But you may postulate to repot the plant every two or three years . If you design to repot a bay tree leaf tree , ensure that the Modern container has enough way for roots to grow . Always use a skunk with drain hole .

Bay Leaf Plant Propagation

Lay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can be propagated from seed or cuttings . The best way to diffuse them is to take cuttings from the stems of ripe works . Or you may pick up seeds from the berries and germinate them in a light soil premix .

Propagate a bay tree Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel industrial plant by taking stem cuttings in midsummer . skip a 6 ” ( 15 cm ) length of stem and remove all the lower folio , preserve a few leaves at the top . Put the bay laurel stem cuttings in a moist pot mix . shoes in a warm space away from direct sunlight . Unfortunately , propagating with this method is n’t always successful .

To spread a bay laurel from seed , collect the seeds from the berries of a female laurel tree . Then plant the seeds directly in the basis . Alternatively , you’re able to dry out the seeds and plant them later . When you descend to inseminate the seeds , soak them in piddle for 24 hours and germinate them in a moist pot metier and keep them in a strong berth .

It can take up to six month for bay laurel seeds to shoot .

Pest and Diseases Affecting Bay Laurel Plants

Plant pestsrarely affect bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The aromatic leaves and mellow capacity of essential oils usually discourage distinctive garden bug , mites , and harmful insect . Also , the leathery grain of leaves do it difficult for many saphead - sucking hemipterous insect to destroy .

weighing machine insectscan sometimes cause problems when mature bay laurel bush indoors . The protuberance - similar insects can be found on the stems or folio . If you notice musical scale insects , you may use rubbing alcoholic beverage to kill the insects on contact . you may also apply aneem oil colour nebuliser once a weekas a preventative method acting or kill be hemipterous insect .

Overwatering bay laurel establish indoors or outdoors can cause severe origin decomposition . In addition , fungous disease like genus Phytophthora develop in the soil and put down the beginning . This may result in true laurel leaves turning brown and wilting , and you may notice streaked bark .

The good way of life to avoid root rot is to only irrigate the laurel plant when the soil is partially dry .

Why Are Laurel Bay Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a bay laurel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is usually a mansion of overwatering the flora . Bay laurels have shallow base and easy succumb to steady down putrefaction when growing in soggy soil . If you notice yellow alcove leaves on your plant life , it ’s a dear idea to harbour off watering to let the flat coat to dry out .

Why Are Laurel Bay Tree Leaves Dropping?

There are several reasons why evergreen bay leaves can drop without warn . The most common causes of falling bay leaf are overwatering , frost damage , and a lack of nutrients . But , of course , some leaf drop cloth is expect even in healthy herbaceous evergreen plant plant .

develop a bay laurel tree in a tummy is more challenging than in the garden . Therefore , you may call for to contribute a balanced fertilizer with an NPK paygrade of 5 - 5 - 5 to increase nourishing horizontal surface . To prevent overwatering a potted bay tree , only bestow water when the ground has partially dried out .

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