The Baby Bay, or dwarf bay tree, is gaining popularity for its versatility in landscaping. Its compact size and relatively quick growth make it an attractive option for low to medium screening and garden hedging. With a mature height of around 2 meters, it provides a nice balance between privacy and maintaining an open feel in the garden. One of the key advantages of the baby bay is its low maintenance requirements. It’s relatively easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for those who want a beautiful garden without a lot of fuss. Plus, its natural tendency to form dense foliage lends itself well to being shaped into topiary balls or other decorative forms, adding a touch of elegance to any garden space.
Product Specifications
- Common Name: Baby Bay, Dwarf Bay, Compact Bay
- Botanical Name: Laurus Nobilis Baby Bay
- Mature Height: 2 meters
- Mature Width: 2 meters
- Foliage: Dark Green
- Form/Habit: Upright shrub, compact
- Uses: Screening, hedging, topiary
- Evergreen/Deciduous:Â Evergreen
- Soil:Â Most well draining soil
- Drought Hardy:Â Moderate
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Sun: Full sun – semi shade
- Flowers: Yellow flowers in Spring
- Water Requirement: Low – medium
- Maintenance: Low – medium, benefits from light pruning
- Edible: Yes, leaves are used for cooking
- Planter Suitability: Yes, allow adequate room for growth
- Native: No
Commonly Asked Questions
How far apart do I plant Baby Bay for a screening hedge?
Half a meter to just under 1 meter apart is ideal for a thick screening privacy hedge.
Are these Bay trees fast growing?
Baby Bay have a medium growth rate. Baby Bay / Dwarf Bay typically grow much faster than regular bay trees, making them an ideal choice for hedging and topiaries.
Are Baby Bay trees edible?
Bay trees are valued for their culinary use—specifically, their aromatic leaves are commonly used in cooking. They can also be cultivated as ornamental plants due to their evergreen nature, glossy leaves, and the ability to be pruned into various shapes, such as topiaries or hedges.