Understanding Bay Varieties for the British Garden

When gardeners in the UK consider adding an evergreen structure to their landscape, the Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis) is often the first choice. While the classic species is the most widely available and reliable, there are a few distinct variations worth considering depending on your specific landscape design and the level of maintenance you wish to undertake.

The Standard Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)

This is the robust, culinary bay found in herb gardens across Britain. It features broad, aromatic, dark glossy green leaves and is the hardiest of the group. In the British climate, it can eventually reach heights of over 10 metres if left unpruned in the ground, though it is predominantly grown as a clipped shrub or topiary standard. It is resilient to most UK weather conditions, provided it is sheltered from harsh, freezing winds.

Golden Bay (Laurus nobilis 'Aurea')

For those looking to brighten a darker corner of the garden, the 'Aurea' variety offers striking golden-yellow foliage. However, it requires a careful balance regarding placement; the pale leaves can scorch in full, intense midday sun, yet the colour may fade to green in deep shade. It is generally less vigorous than the standard species and may require extra winter protection in northern parts of the UK.

Willow-leaved Bay (Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia)

This is a superb textual alternative. The leaves are narrower and longer than the standard bay, creating a ripple effect that adds movement to the garden. It is quite hardy and serves as an excellent architectural plant, offering a slightly more delicate appearance while retaining the signature aroma.

Growing Bay in Planters and Containers

Bay trees are exceptionally well-suited to container gardening. In fact, growing them in pots is often preferred in the UK as it keeps the plant at a manageable size and allows you to move it into a greenhouse or sheltered porch during particularly severe winters.

When selecting a container, stability and drainage are paramount. Bay trees can become top-heavy, especially when trained as standards (lollipops). A heavy base is essential to prevent them from toppling in gusty British weather. For a contemporary, sleek look that complements the dark foliage, square zinc planters are an excellent choice. The metal finish contrasts beautifully with the deep green leaves and ages gracefully.

Alternatively, if your garden aesthetic leans more towards the traditional or rustic, square wooden planters offer a natural warmth and insulation for the roots. Whichever style you choose, ensure the container has ample drainage holes and is raised slightly off the ground (using pot feet) to prevent waterlogging, which is the quickest way to kill a Bay tree.

Care, Flowering, and Fruiting

Despite their Mediterranean origins, Bay trees adapt well to the British climate if they are not allowed to sit in wet soil. Use a soil-based compost (like John Innes No. 2 or 3) with added grit for drainage.

Watering and Feeding: Container-grown Bays need regular watering during the summer months—do not allow the compost to dry out completely. Conversely, in winter, water very sparingly. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser every two weeks from late spring to late summer to maintain lush foliage.

Flowers and Fruit: While grown primarily for their leaves, Bay trees do bloom. You can expect to see clusters of small, star-shaped, pale yellow-green flowers appearing in spring (typically March to May). These flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. If you have a female plant and there is a male nearby for pollination, the flowers will be followed by small, glossy black berries which ripen in the autumn (October to November). While not edible for humans, these berries add seasonal interest to the plant.

Pruning: To maintain a formal shape, prune your Bay tree during the summer. A light trim with secateurs is preferable to shears, as cutting through the large leaves can result in unsightly brown edges. Remove any leaves damaged by winter frosts in late spring to encourage fresh, healthy growth.