Laurus Cone

Laurus nobilis Cone – A Classic Evergreen with Mediterranean Charm and Culinary Value

Laurus nobilis, shaped into handsome cones, is a timeless evergreen that brings both formal structure and aromatic appeal to gardens and patios. With its glossy, deep green, aromatic leaves and strong upright habit, the Laurus cone adds a touch of Mediterranean sophistication to entrances, terraces, and borders. Not only admired for its ornamental qualities, bay laurel also offers practical value, as its fragrant leaves can be harvested for cooking. Hardy, versatile, and long-lived, the Laurus cone is a superb choice for gardeners seeking beauty, structure, and function in one graceful plant.

Why Grow Laurus Cones?

Evergreen Structure & Beauty – The dense, glossy foliage maintains its elegant, architectural cone shape all year round, bringing permanent form and colour to the garden.

Aromatic, Edible Leaves – The fragrant, leathery leaves are a classic culinary herb, prized for flavouring soups, stews, and sauces.

Versatile Design Element – Perfect for flanking doorways, lining paths, or adding height and formality to patios, terraces, and courtyard gardens.

Tolerant & Resilient – Laurus cones are drought-tolerant once established and thrive in containers or in the ground, adapting beautifully to urban, coastal, or Mediterranean-style gardens.

Wildlife-Friendly – The small, pale yellow spring flowers attract pollinators, while the dense foliage provides excellent shelter for garden birds.

Planting & Care Guide

Position: Best in full sun to partial shade. Thrives in a warm, sheltered location and benefits from protection from cold, drying winds in colder regions.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. When grown in containers, use a loam-based compost (such as John Innes No. 3) for best results.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment or in pots, especially during dry spells. Once established in the ground, it is relatively drought-tolerant.

Maintenance:

• Trimming: Prune lightly in late spring or summer to maintain its cone shape. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn, as tender new growth may be damaged by frost.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth, particularly for container plants.

• Winter Protection: In colder regions (below -5°C), protect container-grown Laurus by moving it to a sheltered spot or wrapping it with fleece in severe cold.

• Pest Care: Watch for scale insects or bay sucker on young growth; treat early if detected.

Perfect Plant Combinations

Laurus cones pair beautifully with other formal evergreens such as Buxus, Ilex crenata, or Taxus baccata, as well as fragrant plants like Lavender or Rosmarinus for a Mediterranean feel. They also work wonderfully alongside Agapanthus, Salvia, or Gaura in sunny, modern schemes. In pots, underplant with seasonal bedding such as Violas, Ivy, or Trailing Pelargoniums for a lush, layered effect.