Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is not entirely hardy north of the Alps. Biting frost reliably hunts down the evergreen ambassador from the Mediterranean outside. Geographical region and location decide how you can successfully overwinter spice laurel in the bucket. This guide has the best tips to read up on.
Bay laurel usually withstands mild winters well
Overwinter outside in regions with mild winters
Bay laurel is hardy on the mild winters of the Lower Rhine, in temperate river valleys or in protected wine-growing regions. The rule of thumb applies: if the winter is mild in the garden with temperatures down to -5° Celsius, Laurus nobilis can overwinter outdoors. Of course, it doesn't work without winter protection. This is how you properly overwinter spice laurel outside in the bucket:
- Best time: after the first frost
- Change location to a shady niche protected from rain and wind
- Place the bucket on a block of wood or a styrofoam plate (€35.50).
- Wrap the container with fleece or bubble wrap
- Cover the substrate with straw, bark mulch, coconut disc or autumn leaves
- Care: do not fertilize, water in sips with rainwater when dry
If solar radiation cannot be ruled out at the location, cover the crown with a shading net or a hood that is permeable to light and air.
Grant laurel from winter hardiness zone Z8
Below - 5° Celsius, a spice laurel stands outside on the knife's edge. Winter hardiness zone Z8 begins at exactly - 6.7° Celsius, which experience has shown does not allow wintering outdoors. Placing them in suitable winter quarters under glass solves the problem. Please pay attention to these tips:
- Put the buckets in after the first frosty night with -5° Celsius at the latest
- Thin out large bay leaves and cut back by a third
- Winter location: bright and cool with temperatures between 5° and 10° Celsius
- Potential winter quarters: greenhouse, conservatory, stairwell, bedroom, glazed patio
- Bad winter quarters: well-heated kitchen, cozy and warm living room
Alternatively, you can overwinter a spice laurel in the dark and frost-free. Before you leave the Mediterranean herbal plant to its fate outside, please carry the bucket into the basement or the attic. Under these conditions, a laurel sheds its leaves. This is no cause for concern. With the right care in a sunny location, bay laurel will compensate for the loss of leaves next spring.
tips
Did you know that frost-sensitive spice laurel is just as tolerant of pruning as its hardy namesake cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)? Both of the evergreen laurel shrubs can be raised to form a decorative standard without any problems. With this trick you can solve space problems in the winter quarters in a creative way. You can read cutting instructions suitable for beginners here.