The real laurel is a plant that has a long tradition of being used as a medicinal and spice plant, particularly in the Mediterranean region. In Central Europe, real laurel can only be overwintered outdoors in particularly protected locations, as it is otherwise not hardy.

The origin of the laurel tree

The real laurel originally comes from the Near East, but it has been known as a medicinal and spice plant throughout the Mediterranean region since ancient times. A laurel bush planted in the ground can withstand slightly sub-zero temperatures for short periods of time. However, year-round outdoor cultivation in Germany is only possible in very mild locations such as around Lake Constance, and a certain amount of winter protection is also necessary there. Since the common laurel is often cultivated in a pot, there is an even greater need for protection of the roots from frost. After all, sensitive roots like those of the common laurel freeze even more easily in a planter than in the protected position in the garden soil.

The water supply should also be ensured outdoors

If you really want to risk hibernating laurels outdoors, then wrapping the plant in jute or special winter protection hoods for winter care is part of it. In general, locations in front of sunny house walls or on south-facing balconies are preferable, as it is easier for the substrate to thaw here from time to time and thus for the roots to be supplied with water.

Wintering in the house

True laurel is sensitive to frost, but the following areas are better suited as winter quarters than the window sill in the room:

  • basement rooms
  • garages
  • unheated conservatories
  • greenhouses

tips and tricks

In winter, real laurel tolerates temperatures between zero and eight degrees Celsius better than the usual room temperature.

Category:

Trees