Laurus nobilis Miles Choice

Common Name: Miles Choice Bay Tree

Description:
Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' is a compact, evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its dense growth habit and aromatic, deep green foliage. A superior selection of the traditional Bay Laurel, 'Miles Choice' is particularly well-suited for hedging, topiary, and container planting due to its naturally bushy form and slow, manageable growth. It produces small, pale yellow flowers in spring, followed by dark berries on female plants. Thriving in Melbourne’s climate, it prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional pruning to maintain shape. The leaves are widely used in cooking, making it an excellent functional and ornamental addition to herb gardens and kitchen gardens.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium
• Shrub - Small
• Tree - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 2 - 4m
• Width: 1.5 - 3m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring (not highly ornamental)

Flower Colour:

• Pale Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Edible Leaves (used in cooking)
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Topiary
• Drought Tolerant once established
• Low Maintenance
• Wind Tolerant
• Coastal Tolerant

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans (leaves are edible when used in cooking)
• Berries may be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities

Companion Plants:

• Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
• Lavandula (Lavender)
• Salvia species
• Myrtus communis (Myrtle)
• Buxus microphylla (Japanese Box)