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Laurus 'Saratoga' (Bay tree 'Saratoga')

Other names: Sweet bay 'Saratoga', Bay laurel 'Saratoga', Laurus nobilis 'Saratoga'

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Variety or Cultivar
'Saratoga' is an oval to conical, evergreen shrub or tree with narrowly ovate, leathery, aromatic, dark green leaves and clusters of small, pale yellow flowers in spring.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
7.5 m 6 m 20-50 years
24 ft 19 ft 20-50 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Partial Shade
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
  • North
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Plant in free-draining soil in a sunny position, although will tolerate partial shade. Can be grown successfully in a container and may be clipped to a standard or geometric shape. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Suitable for use as a hedge or topiary.

Suggested uses

Coastal, Mediterranean, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wallside and trellises, Flavouring food and drinks, Woodland, Topiary

UK hardiness

H4

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Low
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Low
South Inland = Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Moderate/Medium
Low Desert = Moderate/Medium

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Conical, Oval-headed

Native to

Garden origin

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Fragrance

Foliage is aromatic and used for culinary purposes.

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Clip topiaries twice in summer.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Propagation

Best to start from seed in autumn.

Pests

Bay sucker

Horse chestnut scale

Tortrix moth

Soft scale

Diseases

Leaf diseases of laurel

Powdery mildew

Leaf spot

Prune initially when winter planting

Summer trim laterals in first year of planting

Clip hedge to desired shape (optional)

Selective pruning only (only if needed)

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late-summer

Plant container grown plants in a sunny sheltered spot

Take semi-ripe cuttings

Pruning topiary shapes

Plant in moist but well-drained soil (autumn or spring)

Plant in full sun or partial shade (autumn or spring)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (0)

Laurus

Companion plants (0)

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