What's wrong with my bay tree?
jordan.d.tobin
Posts: 1
I have whatever is the opposite of a green thumb, as evidenced by the state of this poor tree.
We got our bay last May and used its leaves frequently throughout the summer and fall for cooking. It stayed outdoors in this time but there is a high roof protecting the doorstep from rain so I watered it as often as seemed sensible. By December it began to look like it was suffering from the cold (we live in London) so I brought it indoors just inside a huge window. It went through a growth spurt around Christmas, shooting out lots of new leaves in various directions. Shortly after that, though, it started looking sadder by the day and now is in the ugly state pictured, back outside.
I've tried adding a bit of miracle gro to the water over the past couple of weeks but haven't noticed any progress. Any advice anyone can give would be so much appreciated, thank you!!
Posts
I think it may also need a bigger pot. Cold doesn't seem to bother bay just protect it from cold winds - so you may need to move it from the doorstep to somewhere a bit more sheltered but not indoors
Last edited: 11 March 2017 14:16:10
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I agree - mine lives outside all year round. They're perfectly happy in the ground - as mine is in a pot I wrap bubble wrap around it, more to protect the pot from the frost than the bay tree itself.
A bigger pot, and a potting mix of two thirds John Innes loam based No 3, one third horticultural grit to ensure good drainage. The one thing bay doesn't like is a mix of cold and wet, so don't water in the winter.
Last edited: 11 March 2017 14:21:36
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Here in central Scotland my next door neighbour has a large bay in a pot - no protection during even the worst winter and it has survived 20+ Years. 200 miles further north I have another friend with a bay tree in the ground. Ditto for hers as well.