Sweet Bay Growing Near the Ocean
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GardenNut
Location: Washington, Western Cascade Foothills
Posted: May-11-2005 at 9:17am
I have been baby-sitting a friend's sweet bay (laurus nobilis) for, oh, five or six years, while they were not able to have a yard. They now have a home at Ocean Shores; beachfront, I believe. Will the plant survive there? My concerns would be not enough heat in the summer and the saltiness of the air and soil. Not to mention the wind. Does anyone have experience with beach property and herbs?
Chris Sunset 4 USDA 8a
basilgirl
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: May-11-2005 at 10:14pm
i think if the plant is out of the direct ocean wind, like in front of the house. it should be ok. There will be a little micro climate in the front of the house. South side is what i mean.
Red Hare
Location: Oregon coast
Posted: May-13-2005 at 11:49am
I'm in Astoria, which isn't exactly at the beach, but is close. I have a bay laurel in a pot, and I've had it there for at least 5 years and it's fine. I have it near the house on the south side, where it gets a little extra warmth but also gets high winds in the winter. I think I know where I want to plant it now, so, while it's been kinda stunted, it should take off. (It's a couple feet tall.)
Hope this helps.
cjmiller
Location: Oregon, Willamette Valley
Posted: May-13-2005 at 5:57pm
I was told that if you coddle it the first year or so then,after that it can take more sever conditions so probably Red Hare's plant would do better than transplanting a 6 year old plant from where it has been aclimated in Western WA, to the beach. Give them a new plant and advise them to bring it into the house in fall and then plant it in a sheltered spot next year.
Carol
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