If there is a tree that could be considered an all-rounder and that will not give you problems at home, that is the laurel. If you want to know everything about the laurel tree and what you can use it for at home, below we are going to give you all the details, from the most important care to curiosities and the uses you could give it.
And this tree, besides being very beautiful, decoratively speaking, can help you in the kitchen or even bring you luck. Shall we go for it?
What is the laurel tree like?
Before you start, it is essential that you know what the laurel tree looks like. This plant, with the scientific name Laurus nobilisIt is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is highly appreciated for its ornamental appearance, but also for its culinary uses.
Physically, It can reach between 5 and 15 meters in height., although it is true that it does not usually exceed 3 meters when cultivated. In your garden it will most likely remain that size, or even less, depending on the soil, the care you provide, etc.
As for the leaves, as we were saying, they are evergreen and are lance-shaped and of a shiny dark green color. If you bring them close to your nose, you will see that they have a characteristic aroma.And if you rub them, this can stay with you for a while.
During the flowering season, it has small greenish-yellow flowers, although it is not usually easy to see them. Sometimes these trees do not flower or bear fruit.
Laurel tree care
Having a laurel tree in your garden is not difficult. In fact, it is quite resistant to practically everything. But if you want to provide it with the care that will benefit it the most, then we recommend the following:
Location and temperature
Place the laurel tree in a sunny area. But be careful, if it is usually very hot where you live, it is best to place it in semi-shade so that it gets some protection. If it gets too much sun, the leaves will become dark and drier. Although it is used to high temperatures, it is not a bad idea to protect it a little.
About the temperature, It is a tree that tolerates heat and cold well.In fact, it can withstand frost as long as it is sporadic.
Substratum
The ideal soil for a laurel tree is a soil that is very well drained, fertile and alkalineIf you put it in drier or rocky soil, it may take root and thrive, but it will not grow, or it will grow very slowly and it will take years to see it grow to a large height.
Therefore, our recommendation is that you put it in a place where the soil is ideal for this tree and add soil and substrate from time to time to replenish the nutrients.
Irrigation
As for irrigation, the laurel It tolerates drought very well, but not when it gets too waterlogged.. So, if you don't know much about watering, it is best to water it, even if only very occasionally.
They will thank you for this much more than if you do it often, because you will prevent their roots from rotting.
Subscriber
Another important care for the laurel tree is fertilization. As we told you before, from time to time, for example, Once a year or every two years, you should add a little organic fertilizer. to replenish any missing nutrients.
Be careful though, because it is a tree that prefers alkaline soils, so avoid changing the levels due to the fertilizer you use.
Plagues and diseases
Finally, regarding pests and diseases, laurel is very resistant in this regard and you won't have any problems with it. They do affect it, of course, but it is highly resistant and it is not easy for it to die, especially if it is already adapted to the environment and climate where you have it.
Curiosities about laurel
Laurel is one of the plants that most has symbolized victory and power. In fact, you probably remember from your studies, or even from films, how in Ancient Greece and Rome laurel wreaths were used to congratulate the winners in sports games. In fact, Julius Caesar was said to have had a laurel wreath.
But there is more to this. The word baccalaureate comes from Latin and its meaning is “crowned with laurel”. Just as athletes who won had their crowns, those who finished their studies were also crowned with laurel.
In mythology, the laurel has always had reputation for being magical, to the point of combating the evil eye and evil spirits. In fact, many students, when they sit their exams, carry laurel covering their navels, or in their bags, because it is said that it attracts success and that exams are passed more easily.
In homes it is also placed as a protective amulet and is now carried on mobile phone cases.
Uses and applications at home
Finally, the best-known uses of laurel are related to cooking throughout the world. Bay leaf is widely used in stews, soups, meats, casseroles and fish. In some recipes it is key, such as in France with its bouquet garni. Bay leaves are also used in the preservation of sausages and pickles (the casing is covered with bay leaves).
However, this is not the only use that can be given to it. You can use it medicinally, as a digestive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic or relaxing in infusions, oils or with inhalations.
It serves as home air freshener, insect repellent and for skin and hair care.
And if that were not enough, esoteric purposes are attributed to it. For example, Burn laurel to purify an environment and attract positive energy, Place laurel in the house for protection or carry it with you to attract good luck.
As you can see, the laurel tree is one of the most appreciated and important plants. Having one will not cause you any problems in terms of its care, and you could use it in the kitchen or to protect yourself from bad luck. So, do you dare to put a garden in your life?