Shrub - Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel

Botanical Name

:

Kalmia latifolia

Plant Type

:

Evergreen shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or early summer; blooms in late spring to early summer

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full sun (at least 6 hours of daily sunlight); prefers dappled sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–70°F (15–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, acidic soil

Hardiness Zones

:

4–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–21 days

P.H. Level

:

5.0–6.5 (acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep newly planted shrubs well-watered until established. After establishment, water when the soil is dry. Mulch to retain moisture

Fertilization

:

Generally not needed. If necessary, use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring

Habit

:

Upright, rounded growth habit

Propagation

:

Seeds and cuttings

Final Plant Height

:

5–15 ft

Spread

:

5–15 ft

Flowers

:

Rose, pink, or white flowers with purple markings

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Uses

:

Ornamental, woodland gardens, foundation plantings, mass plantings

Companions

:

Rhododendrons, azaleas, ferns, ornamental grasses

Pruning

:

Prune lightly after blooming to maintain shape and remove spent flowers. Avoid heavy pruning

Toxicity

:

All parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Borers, scale, white fly, and lace bugs

Diseases

:

Leaf spots and blights

Fun Fact

:

Mountain Laurel is also known as “calico bush” due to its colorful flowers. The plant’s name honors the Swedish botanist Pehr Kalm, who studied North American flora in the 18th century

Botanical Name

:

Kalmia latifolia

Plant Type

:

Evergreen shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or early summer; blooms in late spring to early summer

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full sun (at least 6 hours of daily sunlight); prefers dappled sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–70°F (15–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, acidic soil

Hardiness Zones

:

4–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–21 days

P.H. Level

:

5.0–6.5 (acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep newly planted shrubs well-watered until established. After establishment, water when the soil is dry. Mulch to retain moisture

Fertilization

:

Generally not needed. If necessary, use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring

Habit

:

Upright, rounded growth habit

Propagation

:

Seeds and cuttings

Final Plant Height

:

5–15 ft

Spread

:

5–15 ft

Flowers

:

Rose, pink, or white flowers with purple markings

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Uses

:

Ornamental, woodland gardens, foundation plantings, mass plantings

Companions

:

Rhododendrons, azaleas, ferns, ornamental grasses

Pruning

:

Prune lightly after blooming to maintain shape and remove spent flowers. Avoid heavy pruning

Toxicity

:

All parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Borers, scale, white fly, and lace bugs

Diseases

:

Leaf spots and blights

Fun Fact

:

Mountain Laurel is also known as “calico bush” due to its colorful flowers. The plant’s name honors the Swedish botanist Pehr Kalm, who studied North American flora in the 18th century

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/