Protecting Bay Laurel in Central Georgia Winters

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is reasonably cold-hardy at Lake Oconee, but if temps drop below 15°F, cover with black plastic to the ground and add a 60-watt bulb for heat. One gardener in Buckhead has an 8-foot bay against a brick wall, unprotected for 10 years. Another in Harris County has a 15-year-old bay at a house corner, also unprotected but less vigorous. A third keeps bays in pots, moving them to a basement/garage in winter. All work—choose your level of effort.

bay leaves

bay tree