How to Grow Laurel Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Laurel shrub is a plant that is native to North America. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. Laurel shrub has a dense, evergreen foliage that is beautiful in any landscape.

How to Grow Laurel Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Bay Laurel
Sweet Bay
True Laurel
Roman Laurel
Grecian Laurel

Basic info

Laurel shrubs are angiosperms, meaning they produce flowers.
Laurel shrubs are dicotyledons, meaning they have two seed leaves.
Laurel shrubs are in the genus Laurus, which is in the family Lauraceae.
Laurel shrubs are native to the Mediterranean region.
Laurel shrubs are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round.
Laurel shrubs can grow to be 6 to 8 feet tall.
Laurel shrubs have dark green, glossy leaves.
Laurel shrubs produce small, yellowish-green flowers.
Laurel shrubs are commercially grown for their leaves, which are used in cooking.
Laurel shrubs are also grown as ornamental plants.

Related plant:
Mountain Laurel Bush

How to Grow

For laurel shrub, first step is to find a suitable location. The location should be sunny and have well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
Tamp the soil gently to remove any air pockets.
Water the shrub deeply and regularly for the first growing season to help it establish a strong root system.
Fertilize the shrub in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs.
Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Laurel shrub is generally pest and disease resistant, but watch for scale, aphids, and powdery mildew.
The shrub will need little to no supplemental water once it is established.
Laurel shrub can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Related plant:
Cherry Laurel Shrub

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, laurel shrubs prefer well-drained soils, whether sandy, loamy, or clay. They also prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, although they can tolerate some alkalinity. In terms of nutrients, they prefer soil that is high in organic matter and that is somewhat moist but not waterlogged.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, laurel shrubs need sun to grow. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day to thrive. If they don't get enough sun, they will become leggy and their leaves will begin to yellow. They may also produce fewer flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for a laurel shrub is one that is cool and moist. These shrubs prefer locations that do not experience drastic changes in temperature, so they are often found in areas with moderate climates. When temperatures become too hot or too cold, laurel shrubs can become stressed and may even die.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If conditions are too dry, the leaves may become crispy and fall off. If conditions are too wet, the plant may become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant prefers a low nitrogen and high phosphate fertilizer to encourage blooming. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 is ideal. Laurel shrubs should be fertilized in early spring before new growth begins. It's best to apply the fertilizer to moist soil and then water thoroughly to help distribute the nutrients down to the roots.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your laurel shrub healthy and looking its best. When and how you prune will depend on the type of laurel shrub you have. Some types of laurels need to be pruned more often than others.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in early spring by taking stem cuttings from the tips of last year's growth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist until they root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once the plants are rooted, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. However, conditions such as soil quality and amount of sunlight can affect how quickly these plants grow. For example, if the soil is especially rich in nutrients, laurel shrubs may grow a bit faster. Or, if the plants are getting full sun exposure, they may also grow slightly faster than if they were in partial shade. Ultimately, though, laurel shrubs typically grow at a moderate pace.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are dieback, leaf spot, and root rot. Dieback is usually caused by a fungal disease, while leaf spot is usually caused by bacteria. Root rot is caused by a variety of fungi, and is the most serious problem. It can kill the plant.

Tips on Growing

If you are growing laurel shrub from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
Sow the seeds on the surface of a moistened seed-starting mix. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not wet. bottom heat, such as from a heat mat, will speed up germination.
Once the seeds have germinated, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting soil.
Laurel shrub prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade.
Water the young plants regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Once the plants are established, prune them annually to shape as desired.
Laurel shrub is generally pest and disease free.