{"title":"Tropical Bay Laurel","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"153\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"151\"\u003eGenus: Laurus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"332\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"165\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lauraceae\u003cbr data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"178\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"195\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay, Laurel Tree\u003cbr data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"233\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"250\"\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mediterranean region; cultivated in subtropical and tropical climates worldwide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"871\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"350\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"350\" data-end=\"353\"\u003eLaurus is a small genus of evergreen trees and large shrubs best known for their aromatic leaves, which are commonly used as a culinary herb (bay leaves). The most notable species, \u003cem data-start=\"534\" data-end=\"550\"\u003eLaurus nobilis\u003c\/em\u003e, features leathery, lance-shaped, dark green leaves and small clusters of yellow-green flowers that bloom in spring. While native to the Mediterranean, bay laurel is widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates as a patio, garden, or container plant, where it thrives in warm, humid environments with good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"890\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"888\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"928\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"893\" data-end=\"928\"\u003ePrefers full sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"996\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"996\"\u003eThrives in rich, well-drained soil; avoid overly wet conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"999\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003eRequires regular watering during the growing season but tolerates short dry spells once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1168\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1103\" data-end=\"1168\"\u003ePrune lightly to shape and maintain as a shrub or standard tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003eCan be overwintered indoors in containers in cooler climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1261\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1259\"\u003eInteresting Tidbits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1899\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1366\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1264\" data-end=\"1366\"\u003eBay leaves are a staple in soups, stews, and sauces; leaves are typically dried to reduce bitterness\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1487\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1487\"\u003eIn ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and honour—used to crown poets, emperors, and athletes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003eLaurus nobilis\u003c\/em\u003e is often confused with other “bay” plants like \u003cem data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1580\"\u003eUmbellularia californica\u003c\/em\u003e (California bay) or \u003cem data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003ePimenta racemosa\u003c\/em\u003e (West Indian bay), which are unrelated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003eThe essential oil from bay leaves has been used in perfumery and traditional medicine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1899\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1899\"\u003eIn tropical landscapes, bay laurel can serve both ornamental and culinary functions, and is especially well-suited for formal hedging or topiary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.scottsnurseryonline.com\/collections\/tropical-bay-laurel.oembed","provider":"Scott's Nursery Ltd. ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}