Water thoroughly when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry, reducing frequency in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially for container-grown plants.

Overwatering is more detrimental than slight underwatering.

Prune your bay laurel in late spring or early summer after the risk of hard frost has passed. This is ideal for maintaining its desired shape, controlling size, and encouraging denser, bushier growth.

Bay laurels are very tolerant of pruning and can be easily trained into various forms, including hedges or topiary. Always remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and plant health.

Propagate Laurus nobilis from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Root cuttings in a well-draining medium with bottom heat and high humidity.

Seed propagation is also possible but slower and less reliable.

Repot container-grown bay laurels every 2-3 years in spring, moving to a slightly larger pot if needed. Refresh the soil with a fresh, well-draining potting mix.

For larger plants, root prune and replace the top layer of soil.