Bay Laurel
Learn to Grow A Piece of History
 Laurus nobilis, commonly called Bay Laurel or Sweet Bay, is a garden classic in every sense of the word. This evergreen shrub or tree, native to the Mediterranean, has its historical roots spread deeply into culture and myth. This ancient plant can easily be grown in your own garden and its aromatic leaves used to flavor your holiday dishes!
A wreath of Bay leaves was given to the winner of the Pythian games in ancient Greece and this tradition spawned the common phrase "resting on one's laurels." Bay leaves were chosen to honor Apollo, the god of sun and music, whose unsuccesful pursuit of the nymph Daphne ended in her transformation into a Bay Laurel tree. The story began when Apollo, a great warrior, criticized Eros (Cupid's Greek counterpart) for using the warrior's bow and arrow for such a purpose as love. Eros, greatly offended, sent a golden arrow through Apollo's heart, so that he would fall in love, and a leaden arrow through Daphne's heart, so that she would spurn any lover's advance. Daphne, tormented by Apollo's desire for her, asked her father, Peneus, to rescue her. At that moment her skin became bark, her hair leaves, her arms branches and her feet rooted in the ground- the first Bay Laurel tree. Apollo, undaunted, used his power of eternal youth to make his beloved ever-green.
This transfigured Daphne can warm her toes in your garden's soil and easily so! Grow Bay Laurel in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Bay Laurels are hardy to 20 degrees and will need to be brought indoors if container grown, or protected in the landscape, if temperatures dip lower than this. Bay Laurels are relatively slow-growing but respond well to pruning. Established plants in the landscape can be expected to reach 5 to 15 feet, container grown plants will not grow as large.
Bay leaves are used extensively in French, Italian, Spanish and Creole cooking and add flavor to any savory dish, including stews, soups, sauces, meat and fish dishes. Bay leaves, bundled with parsley and thyme, make up the French bouquet garni. You can easily dry bay leaves from your own plant to use in cooking. Drying the leaves allows moisture to evaporate slowly, leaving behind the flavorful essential oils. Bundle 3 or 4 stems together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of sunlight. Allow 2 to 4 weeks to dry.
If you are interested in growing bay laurel in your garden, we currently carry large ($79.99 each) and small ($59.99 each) standard (tree) forms and one gallon shrub form ($19.99 each). The standards are beautiful in container plantings and Bay Laurel is a lovely gift to give family and friends, especially those that enjoy cooking! |
