Spice laurel (Laurus nobilis) is not completely hardy north of the Alps. Biting frost reliably kills the evergreen ambassador from the Mediterranean outside. Geographical region and location determine how you can successfully overwinter spiced laurel in the pot. This guide has the best tips for you to read.
How can you overwinter spiced laurel in a pot?
To successfully overwinter spiced laurel in a pot, place it outside in a wind-protected, shady location in regions with mild winters and use winter protection measures. At temperatures below -5° Celsius, the plant should be moved to a bright, cool room with 5-10° Celsius, such as a winter garden or greenhouse.
Winter outside in mild winter regions
Spiced laurel is hardy on the mild winter Lower Rhine, in temperate river valleys or protected wine-growing regions. The rule of thumb applies: If the winter in the garden is mild 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 spiced laurel outside in the pot:
- Best time: after the first frost
- Change location to a shady niche protected from rain and wind
- Place the bucket on a wooden block or a Styrofoam plate (€14.00 on Amazon)
- Wrap the vessel with fleece or bubble wrap
- Cover the substrate with straw, bark mulch, coconut disc or autumn leaves
- Care: do not fertilize, water little by little with rainwater when it is dry
If sunlight cannot be ruled out at the location, cover the crown with a shade net or a light and air-permeable hood.
Put away spice laurel from winter hardiness zone Z8
Below -5° Celsius a spice laurel stands on a knife's edge. At exactly -6.7° Celsius, winter hardiness zone Z8 begins, which experience shows does not allow overwintering in the open air. Putting it in a suitable winter quarters under glass solves the problem. Please pay attention to these tips:
- Put away the bucket at the latest after the first frosty night with -5° Celsius
- Thin out the spice laurel until large and cut back by a third
- Winter location: bright and cool with temperatures between 5° and 10° Celsius
- Potential winter quarters: greenhouse, winter garden, staircase, bedroom, glazed terrace
- Bad winter quarters: well-heated kitchen, cozy warm living room
Alternatively, you can overwinter a spiced laurel dark and frost-free. Before you leave the Mediterranean herb plant to its fate outside, please carry the pot into the cellar or attic. Under these conditions, a laurel sheds its leaves. This is no cause for concern. With the right care in a sunny location, spice laurel will compensate for the loss of leaves next spring.
Tip
Did you know that frost-sensitive spice laurel is just as tolerant of pruning as its hardy namesake, cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)? Training both evergreen laurel bushes to become decorative standard trees is easy. With this trick you can solve space problems in your winter quarters in a creative way. You can read cutting instructions suitable for beginners here.
