Light. Full sun. It also adapts to partial shade.
Water. Water regularly while it settles in. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy; good drainage matters most.
Soil and feeding. It does best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Small plants grow well in large patio containers filled with Potting Soil.
Size. A slow grower, usually reaching about 12 ft as a small tree or multi-trunk shrub.
Pruning. Easy to prune to any shape or size, as a hedge or specimen. Pick older, larger leaves for the best flavor.
Problems to watch. Few serious problems. Watch for scale, mealybugs and spider mites; treat scale with Insecticidal Soap.
Good to know. Plants are male or female, and some people are allergic to the pollen of male trees. Dry the leaves for cooking; they are not eaten whole.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Bay Laurel · UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Hey, hey, it's sweet bay · Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Laurus nobilis
