Tree
Redbay
Persea borbonia
Varieties We Carry
StandardPersea borbonia
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size30-50 feet × 25-35 feet
About Redbay
Red Bay (Persea borbonia) is a native, aromatic evergreen tree of the southeastern United States coastal plain, a member of the laurel family (Lauraceae) closely related to the edible avocado. Its lance-shaped, glossy leaves are fragrant when crushed and have been used as a culinary bay substitute, while the dark blue drupes are eaten by a variety of birds. Populations throughout the Southeast have been severely impacted by laurel wilt disease spread by the introduced redbay ambrosia beetle. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to NE Florida's canopy and open landscape conditions alike. Prune lateral branches to maintain structure and reduce wind-throw risk.
Water
Tolerates a wide moisture range from moist to periodically wet soils. Once established in NE Florida it requires little supplemental irrigation. Young trees benefit from regular watering until rooted.
Soil & Fertilizer
Well-suited to NE Florida's sandy, loamy, and seasonally wet acidic soils. Little fertilization is needed. Important: Redbay is highly susceptible to laurel wilt disease spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle — inspect regularly for wilting foliage and discolored sapwood, and promptly remove and destroy infected material to limit spread.
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Common questions
Is Redbay a good plant for St. Augustine?
Redbay is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 30-50 feet × 25-35 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.