Scottish growing tool

Bay Variety Selector: Which One For Your Garden

Every recommendation below traces back to our full Bay varieties comparison — this page is the fast route to one answer for your specific situation, no clicking through required.

If: Open ground, with plenty of room to spare or A pot, balcony, small patio, or tight border → Not sure, just give me the safest all-round choice or Not sure, just give me the safest all-round choice

Laurus nobilis (plain species)AGM

The classic culinary bay and by far the most widely available, carrying exactly the same H4 hardiness as the two named forms, so you lose nothing by choosing it. Open ground with room to spare is where it makes most sense, though left unclipped it can reach 8-12m.

If: A pot, balcony, small patio, or tight border → Golden-yellow foliage, brightest through winter and spring

Laurus nobilis 'Aurea' (golden bay)AGM

Carries golden-yellow foliage brightest through winter and spring, and stays smaller at maturity than the plain species. In a container, balcony, or tight border, choosing 'Aurea' means less regular pruning to keep it in bounds. It shares the same H4 hardiness and is still fully edible.

If: A pot, balcony, small patio, or tight border → An unusual narrow, willow-like leaf

Laurus nobilis f. angustifolia (willow-leaved bay)AGM

Gives an unusual narrow, willow-like leaf, a naturally occurring form rather than a bred cultivar, and stays smaller than the plain species with a rounder habit than 'Aurea'. It shares the same H4 hardiness and is still aromatic and usable in the kitchen.

Answer these as a quick wizard instead →
Bay growing guide →Full Bay varieties comparison →

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