Bay Laurel

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: slow-growing Flowering period: March to MayHardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas)An evergreen shrub that is grown for its lustrous, aromatic, dark green leaves rather than for the rather insignificant clusters of greenish-yellow flowers it bears in spring. This handsome, slow-growing shrub or small tree is perfect for screening and makes a lovely foil for deciduous flowering shrubs. It will thrive in most conditions, provided it is sheltered from strong winds, and it can also be clipped into a strong shape. The aromatic leaves are valuable, fresh or dried, for flavouring savoury stocks or sauces.Garden care: Keep well-watered during the growing season and feed with a slow-release fertiliser such as Osmacote. Clip established plants lightly twice during the summer months to retain a balanced shape, using secateurs not shears.Goes well with: Taxus baccata, Ligustrum delavayanum 'Cone', Phlox divaricata 'White Perfume', Pulmonaria officinalis 'Sissinghurst White', Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise d Anjou', Astrantia major 'Alba'Plants are supplied in bush form. They can be trained into most shapes, such as ball or pyramid, as in the photo. You will need some patience to train these bays in a topiary shape as they are slow-growing....more Price: £7.95 Source: Crocus •