Mountain laurel (kalmia latifolia) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that blooms showy, trumpet-shaped pink, pink, or white flowers with deep-green leaves. Mountain laurel shrubs are a part of the Ericaceae circle of relatives and also are known by way of the common names calico bush, ivy bush, and spoonwood. They are native to parts of Eastern North America like Pennsylvania and Connecticut, in addition to in Louisiana, Indiana, and the Florida panhandle. Mountain laurel shrubs commonly develop up to six ft in top, although there are cultivars of dwarf mountain laurel that grow up to a few feet in height. Mountain laurel prefers acidic soil, and does not develop nicely in clay soil. You can know here How to Grow & Care Mountain Laurel.
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You must plant mountain laurel in early spring, after the closing threat of frost has passed, to make the most of its bloom time. At the today’s, it could be planted in early summer time, but the shrub will start to bloom as early as late spring. Mountain laurel thrives in USDA zones four via nine, and prefers cool soil and partial coloration. It will tolerate full sun.
How to grow Mountain Laurel
Mountain laurel is a slow grower, and the quickest manner to propagate a new shrub is thru rooted softwood cuttings. You will still need to be affected person as your shrub grows, however this overview of developing mountain laurel from softwood cuttings is enough to get you commenced.
Snip softwood branch reducing from a mature mountain laurel shrub that is approximately 6 inches lengthy. Remove any leaves from the lowest inches of the reducing. Fill a small box with potting soil. Opt for a field that has drainage holes inside the bottom to inspire right drainage. Test the soil by way of pouring water and check that it is draining nicely. Dip the cut stop of your reducing in rooting hormone to expedite the rooting method.
Plant the stem’s cease one inch deep within the potting soil. Place the box in an area that gets a great amount of sun. Make certain that the soil round your reducing stays wet as it develops its roots. Water the slicing regularly. Within approximately six months, your cutting have to broaden sturdy roots, at which factor, you’re unfastened to transplant it wherever you like—in your garden mattress, or in an indoor box.
How to care Mountain Laurel
Once your mountain laurel is hooked up, it doesn’t want too much encouragement to preserve growing. To set your mountain laurel up for achievement right here are a few additional pointers for being concerned to your mountain laurel.
Mountain laurel is an acid-loving plant. During spring, make sure to feed your mountain laurel with an acidic fertilizer to inspire boom. Fertilizer that is proper for azaleas and rhododendrons works nicely for mountain laurel.While it’s far growing, mountain laurel wishes wet soil to assist establish its root gadget. However, whilst the plant is mounted, it is able to tolerate a few drought situations. Regularly water your mountain laurel to encourage vibrant blooms.
Mountain laurel is a slow-growing plant and it doesn’t require much pruning. However, you can take away lifeless branches and deadhead spent plant life to inspire new growth. Mountain laurel can be prone to blights and leaf spots, in addition to pests inclusive of whiteflies, scale, and lace insects. Pruning affected leaves and treating vegetation with insecticides can help prevent sickness and pests. Mulch can also help protect your flora from contamination.
Mountain laurel may be toxic for human beings and animals. If someone consumes enough mountain laurel, it may lead to burning lips, burning throat, and in all likelihood dying. Mountain laurel may be specially poisonous for pets inclusive of cats and puppies. Home gardeners have to take care while planting mountain laurel if they have pets or kids.