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Lauraceae
Laurus nobilis
Product Code:
PLT-0204
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Standard
Source:
Not mentioned
$35.00
Bring the fragrance of the Mediterranean to your home with Bay Laurel (غار). This elegant evergreen looks beautiful in a pot and gives you fresh bay leaves whenever you cook. Place it in bright light, water when partially dry, and prune to keep a tidy, lush form—an impressive, practical plant for kitchens, balconies, and thoughtful gifts.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Bay Laurel
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/tree
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0204
Alternative Names:
Sweet bay
Bay tree
Roman laurel
غار
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Laurus
Species: L. nobilis
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Cultivated for centuries for its aromatic leaves, now naturalized in many temperate regions worldwide. Commonly grown in gardens, pots, and as hedges.
4. Visual Characteristics
An evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, lanceolate leaves measuring 6–12 cm long and 2–4 cm wide. Leaves are dark green, leathery, and highly aromatic when crushed. Small yellow-green flowers appear in clusters during spring, followed by oval black to purplish drupes (berries) in autumn.
5. Size & Dimensions
Landscape form: typically 5–10 m tall and 3–6 m wide. Container form: commonly maintained at 1–2 m height. Growth rate is slow to moderate (20–30 cm per year under optimal conditions). Leaf length 6–12 cm.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may become leggy and less aromatic. Indoors, place near a bright south- or west-facing window.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate watering: allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Established plants are drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged soil; reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.5). A Mediterranean-style or general-purpose potting mix amended with perlite, grit, or sand ensures good drainage. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, using a pot with drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy in USDA zones 8–10; optimal growing temperatures 15–25 °C. Tolerates light frost down to −5 °C if mature, but young plants require protection. Prefers moderate humidity; avoid overly humid or stagnant air to reduce fungal risk.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring and again in mid-summer. Supplement with monthly applications of liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Cease feeding in autumn and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care level: Moderate. Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage bushy growth. Monitor for pests and adjust watering to prevent root issues. Minimal general maintenance once established.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation is most successful via semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer, rooted in a mix of sand and peat under high humidity. Seed propagation is possible but slow; requires stratification and may take several months to germinate.
13. Common Problems
Pests: scale insects, aphids, mealybugs. Diseases: root rot from poor drainage, leaf spot in high humidity, powdery mildew. Cultural issues: leaf drop from overwatering or sudden temperature changes; leaf scorch if exposed to intense midday sun when young.
14. Benefits & Uses
Leaves are a classic culinary herb used in soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. Historically symbolic in wreaths and crowns. Essential oils extracted for aromatherapy, perfumery, and traditional medicine as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory agent. Ornamental value in hedges, topiaries, and container displays.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Bay leaves are safe in culinary amounts but may be a choking hazard if ingested whole. Berries and concentrated essential oils can cause skin irritation or digestive upset in large quantities. Generally low toxicity to pets, though ingestion of large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress.
Laurus nobilis
$35.00
Bring the fragrance of the Mediterranean to your home with Bay Laurel (غار). This elegant evergreen looks beautiful in a pot and gives you fresh bay leaves whenever you cook. Place it in bright light, water when partially dry, and prune to keep a tidy, lush form—an impressive, practical plant for kitchens, balconies, and thoughtful gifts.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Bay Laurel
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/tree
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0204
Alternative Names:
Sweet bay
Bay tree
Roman laurel
غار
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Laurus
Species: L. nobilis
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Cultivated for centuries for its aromatic leaves, now naturalized in many temperate regions worldwide. Commonly grown in gardens, pots, and as hedges.
4. Visual Characteristics
An evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, lanceolate leaves measuring 6–12 cm long and 2–4 cm wide. Leaves are dark green, leathery, and highly aromatic when crushed. Small yellow-green flowers appear in clusters during spring, followed by oval black to purplish drupes (berries) in autumn.
5. Size & Dimensions
Landscape form: typically 5–10 m tall and 3–6 m wide. Container form: commonly maintained at 1–2 m height. Growth rate is slow to moderate (20–30 cm per year under optimal conditions). Leaf length 6–12 cm.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may become leggy and less aromatic. Indoors, place near a bright south- or west-facing window.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate watering: allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Established plants are drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged soil; reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.5). A Mediterranean-style or general-purpose potting mix amended with perlite, grit, or sand ensures good drainage. Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, using a pot with drainage holes.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy in USDA zones 8–10; optimal growing temperatures 15–25 °C. Tolerates light frost down to −5 °C if mature, but young plants require protection. Prefers moderate humidity; avoid overly humid or stagnant air to reduce fungal risk.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) in early spring and again in mid-summer. Supplement with monthly applications of liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Cease feeding in autumn and winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care level: Moderate. Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage bushy growth. Monitor for pests and adjust watering to prevent root issues. Minimal general maintenance once established.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation is most successful via semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer, rooted in a mix of sand and peat under high humidity. Seed propagation is possible but slow; requires stratification and may take several months to germinate.
13. Common Problems
Pests: scale insects, aphids, mealybugs. Diseases: root rot from poor drainage, leaf spot in high humidity, powdery mildew. Cultural issues: leaf drop from overwatering or sudden temperature changes; leaf scorch if exposed to intense midday sun when young.
14. Benefits & Uses
Leaves are a classic culinary herb used in soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. Historically symbolic in wreaths and crowns. Essential oils extracted for aromatherapy, perfumery, and traditional medicine as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory agent. Ornamental value in hedges, topiaries, and container displays.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Bay leaves are safe in culinary amounts but may be a choking hazard if ingested whole. Berries and concentrated essential oils can cause skin irritation or digestive upset in large quantities. Generally low toxicity to pets, though ingestion of large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress.
7-day live plant guarantee: covered for arrival damage and severe decline with proof of proper care and unboxing photos; replacement or store credit provided according to policy.
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