Bay Laurel Nobilis is the most common type of Bay. They grow in Mediterranean climates. I live in Southern California and have 5 bays that I planted several years ago to use as a nice hedge along my back fence. The leaves are really great for cooking savory dishes. I also have low growing rosemary that I planted in front of the bays. The bays and rosemary both need well draining soil. Water once a week or less when established. We had a tremendous heat wave (115) in July of 2015. Every leaf of the bay was scorched to a pumpkin orange. I picked every leaf off, watered well and they came back. In Southern California there is a native bay. It gets very tall. It can also be used for cooking. Most good garden centers/nursuries should stock bay laurel nobilis. Hope this helps.
