Bay Tree: Laurus Nobilis: Half Standard

Bay Tree Half Standard - Laurus Nobilis

Add elegance and culinary delight to your garden with a stunning Bay Tree Half Standard. This beautifully trained topiary features a lollipop-shaped head of aromatic evergreen foliage atop a clear stem, creating an eye-catching architectural feature. Perfect for containers on patios, formal gardens, or framing entrances, with the added bonus of fresh bay leaves for your kitchen.

Key Features

• Elegant Form: Half standard (lollipop) shape creates a formal, architectural appearance
• Culinary Herb: Fresh aromatic leaves can be used in cooking - perfect for soups, stews, and sauces
• Striking Foliage: Glossy, dark green leathery leaves provide year-round interest
• Versatile: Ideal for containers, formal gardens, or as a specimen plant
• Perfect for Topiary: Responds beautifully to clipping and shaping
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to care for once established
• Evergreen: Maintains its attractive appearance throughout the year

Growing Information

Overall Height: 100-120cm (including pot)
Head Diameter: 40-50cm
Ultimate Height: 4-8m if left unpruned (easily maintained at desired height)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Position: Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from cold winds
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Hardiness: Hardy (H4) - protect from severe frost and cold winds

Planting & Care

Bay trees thrive in containers or can be planted in the ground. Use a large pot with drainage holes and quality, well-drained compost for container growing. Position in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered spot protected from cold winds. Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the top of the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Feed container plants monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Trim in late spring or summer to maintain the topiary shape. In cold areas, move container plants to a sheltered position or protect with fleece during harsh winters.

Perfect For

• Container planting on patios and terraces
• Formal gardens and structured planting schemes
• Framing doorways and entrances
• Creating matching pairs for symmetry
• Herb gardens with ornamental appeal
• Mediterranean-style gardens
• Adding architectural interest to borders

Why Choose Bay Tree Half Standard?

Bay Tree half standards combine ornamental beauty with practical culinary use. The formal topiary shape creates instant impact and sophistication, while the aromatic leaves provide fresh herbs for your cooking. Bay trees are long-lived plants that become more beautiful with age, making them an excellent investment for your garden.

Available at Stoneybrook Nursery, Lancashire - Quality topiary and specimen plants for UK gardens.