edenhana

Bay

A slow-growing, very low-maintenance evergreen tree that tolerates clipping extremely well, so it's just as happy kept as a compact clipped shrub or container specimen as it is left to grow into a substantial tree several metres tall. Hardier than many culinary herbs, it copes with light frost and dry spells once established. Leaves can be picked fresh or dried for cooking year-round, and regular picking doesn't harm the plant.

Sun
partial sun
Water
low
Spacing
150cm
Difficulty
beginner
Grows in
Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
Expected yield
Continuous leaf picking year-round once established
Cost to grow
~$10 NZD
Grocery value
~$15 NZD
Mature height
6m
Evergreen
Yes
Common diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soil
Common pests
Scale insects, Aphids

When to plant by region

In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: September-November. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast and Christchurch / Canterbury: September-October. In Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: October.

Growing stages

  1. PlantingSpring

    • Choose free-draining soil, as wet, poorly drained soil around the roots can lead to root rot
    • Decide early whether to let it grow into a full tree or keep it clipped as a compact shrub, both are realistic options
    • Full sun to part shade both suit it well

  2. Establishment

    • Water regularly until established, then reduce watering, as it needs little once settled in
    • Watch for scale insects and aphids on leaves, particularly on plants kept in containers
    • Growth is slow, especially in the first year or two

  3. Ongoing growth & harvestLeaves usable from the second year, then continuous year-round

    • Pick leaves as needed; regular picking doesn't harm the plant and can help keep a clipped shape tidy
    • Clip once or twice a year if keeping it compact, bay tolerates hard pruning well
    • Scale insects can build up on unclipped, dense growth; check occasionally and treat if numbers rise

  4. Maturity

    • Left unclipped, it slowly grows into a substantial evergreen tree several metres tall, factor this into its position
    • Copes well with light frost and dry spells once established, needing very little ongoing care
    • Poor drainage remains the main long-term risk, particularly in winter

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