mountain laurel

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) should be watered at least once a week. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering. To keep the soil evenly moist, use a soaker hose or drip system. For optimum water quality, avoid overhead sprinklers which can promote fungal disease. In hot summer months, water twice a week in areas with sandy soils and irrigate with 1 inch weekly to maintain a moist soil in areas with heavier soils. During cool weather, reduce watering frequency to every few weeks. In addition, provide occasional deep waterings, allowing the water to penetrate 8-12 inches into the soil.

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, with more being beneficial. It is best suited to partial sun to full sun when grown in locations with hot summers, and prefers slightly more shade during the spring and summer in cooler areas. It can tolerate full shade, but will have shorter blooming periods and less fragrant flowers. Mountain laurel prefers well-drained soil and should be planted in a location where other plants will not cast too much shade. Early morning sunlight is best for mountain laurel as it will help the plant dry off quickly after a dewy night. Late afternoon sun is also important for associated pollinators, such as hummingbirds and bees. If grown in an area with colder winters, mountain laurel should be protected from harsh winter winds and frost.

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will ensure that any dead or diseased branches are removed before it has a chance to spread. It is important to note that pruning should be kept to a minimum, as mountain laurel is a slow-growing shrub. Moderate pruning is recommended to shape the shrub and remove any thick, crossing branches. Thin out up to 1-third of the older branches each year, as this will help maintain a healthy mountain laurel plant. Avoid pruning in the summer months, as this may cause stress to the plant. Proper pruning will enhance the growth of mountain laurel and maintain its shape and size.