Evergreen Tree – Red Bay Tree

Red Bay Tree 

Botanical name: persea borbonia 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 30-50 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-11 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Foliage color: green/yellow/red 

Flower color: green/yellow

Bloom time:  spring, summer 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: focal point, shade tree 

Special features: deer resistant, heat tolerant, salt tolerant

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer once a year in the early-mid spring 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  sand, loam 

Companion plants: sweetbay magnolia, yaupon holly, beautyberry 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no