Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Laurel Trees

Member Renae writes~ I have a question about a Bay Laurel tree that I purchased in the spring. It was pretty small, about 8 inches tall. I put it in a large pot and now it about 12-18 inches tall. Does it need any special treatment for the upcoming winter (I live in Baltimore, MD)? Should I plant it in the ground, wrap the pot with something, or bring it inside?

A. Yours is a small tree right now, so plant it and protect outside [it can withstand temps as low as 20 F] with a mulch covering and place near a building for warmth. You do not have to bring it indoors unless you plan on keeping it in that pot, as the roots will probably frost unless placed directly into the garden bed.

Sweet Bay, Grecian Laurel - Laurus nobilis

Zones: USDA: 7-10
Frost Protection: Hardy in Phoenix to 20 F (-7 C)
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Origin: Mediterranean basin Mediterranean basin
Growth Habits: Slow growing shrub to 30 feet tall (9 m)
Watering Needs: Little water once established, needs good drainage
Propagation: Seeds (sow them as soon as they are ripe), semi-hardwood cuttings at the end of summer

The Grecian Laurel is an evergreen shrub, its leaves with a slightly undulated edge are dried as bay leaves. It makes a good container plant for colder areas if protected. The leaves are marvelous in cooking, stews, pickles. Pick fresh from the tree and use as the dried ones.

The Sweet Bay blooms at the beginning of the spring. The flowers are white, arranged in umbels. The fruit of olive color is ripe at the beginning of the fall.

Thanks to Philippe Faucon