The three bays with the RHS Award of Garden Merit are equally hardy, so the choice is about size and looks. The bigger question for Scotland is the site: bay dislikes wind, cold and damp ground, and grows well in a pot that can be moved to shelter for the winter.
Quick answer
The plain bay (Laurus nobilis) for the classic culinary leaf. 'Aurea' for golden leaves and a smaller plant, and the willow-leaved form for narrow, wavy leaves. In a pot, 'Aurea' stays smaller than the species.
What Scotland means for the choice
All three are rated H4The RHS's H1a–H7 scale for how much cold a plant can survive outdoors, H1a being tender indoor-only and H7 hardy anywhere in the UK. Full definition →, hardy to between -10 and -5°C, and all three hold the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGMThe RHS's Award of Garden Merit: a UK-wide trials award for reliable performance, not a Scotland-specific recommendation. Full definition →). H4 isn't dependable in inland valleys, at altitude or in central and northern parts of the country, so in much of Scotland bay needs a warm, sheltered, sunny or partly shaded spot, out of strong winds. The bay growing guide covers planting, winter protection and pruning.
| Bay | Height × spread | Leaves | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurus nobilis | 8–12m × over 8m | Glossy, leathery, aromatic | The classic bay for cooking; the biggest tree |
| 'Aurea' | 4–8m × 2.5–4m | Golden-yellow, brightest in winter and spring | Smaller spaces; colour |
| f. angustifolia | 4–8m × 4–8m | Long, narrow, willow-like, wavy-edged | A willow-like leaf |
These are the maximum sizes, which a bay kept in a pot or clipped will never reach.
What you'll find on sale
Most bay sold in the UK is the plain Laurus nobilis, in the herb or shrub section of a garden centre. 'Aurea' and the willow-leaved form are usually only at specialist herb or shrub nurseries. Bay comes in sizes from small bushy plants to large standards, and trained or topiary plants cost noticeably more because the shaping takes time.
Pot or ground
In a wet climate this is the bigger choice. Bay needs free-drainingSoil that lets water pass through quickly rather than pooling, so roots aren't sitting in wet ground after rain. Full definition → soil that doesn't get waterlogged, and cold, damp soil can rot the roots, so on heavy, wet ground a container is the way to grow it. The catch is that a potted bay is the most vulnerable to winter cold and damp, so it needs moving somewhere sheltered or under cover for the worst of the winter. Hard frosts and cold winds can damage the leaves and kill some or all of the top growth, which is why a warm, sheltered spot matters wherever it grows.
Laurus nobilis
The species is a large, erect evergreen shrub with aromatic, glossy, leathery leaves up to 10cm long. Fresh or dried, the leaves are the popular flavouring. It grows biggest, so it suits open ground with room to spare.
'Aurea' and f. angustifolia
'Aurea' is a large shrub of broadly conical habit, with leathery, aromatic, golden-yellow leaves that are brightest in winter and spring. Its smaller spread makes it the better choice for a pot or tight border. Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree to around 8m, with aromatic foliage useful in cooking and long, narrow, wavy-edged leaves that look like willow.
Which one for your situation
- The classic bay for cooking: Laurus nobilis.
- A pot, patio or small garden: 'Aurea'.
- Golden colour in winter: 'Aurea'.
- A narrow, willow-like leaf: f. angustifolia.
Common questions
Is Aurea less hardy than plain bay?
No. All three forms are rated H4, hardy to between -10 and -5°C.
Which bay suits a pot?
'Aurea', which has the smallest spread. A pot can be moved under cover for winter, and bay grows well in a container.
Can I cook with the golden and willow-leaved bays?
Yes. 'Aurea' and f. angustifolia both have aromatic leaves that can be used in cooking.
Sources
Show the 5 sources
- Bay: grow your own: Golden and willow-leaved bays have leaves that can be used in cooking; which forms are on sale and where, sizes and the cost of trained plants; container or free-draining soil; warm, sheltered spot out of strong winds; winter damage from frost, cold wind and cold, damp soil; potted plants most at risk in winter
- Hardiness rating definitions: What H4 means, and where it is less dependable
- Laurus nobilis: AGM; H4; 8-12m by wider than 8m; leaves up to 10cm
- Laurus nobilis 'Aurea': AGM; H4; 4-8m by 2.5-4m; golden leaves brightest in winter and spring
- Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia: AGM; H4; 4-8m by 4-8m; willow-like leaves; useful in cooking