mountain laurel

Mountain laurels should be watered deeply and regularly for best results. During the spring and summer months, water your mountain laurel once or twice a week, making sure to water deeply. During the winter months, when it is actively growing, water the plant roughly every 3 to 4 weeks, depending upon the rainfall. The soil should remain evenly moist but not soggy. Make sure the soil receives plenty of drainage in order to avoid standing water or waterlogging. Additionally, mountain laurels like to be regularly misted during its growing season from March to May in order to allow the plant to adequately hydrate.

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Ostbo Red') is a partial shade plant that prefers 3-6 hours of sunlight per day. It will do best in locations with bright, indirect light in the morning and filtered shade in the afternoon. In hardiness zones 4-8, it should receive the majority of its light in the cooler part of the day since midday sunlight can be too intense. In other areas, it should receive at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant should not be placed in dark, shady areas or direct, intense afternoon sunlight.

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Ostbo Red') should be pruned in early spring. Prune lightly by removing up to 1-third of oldest stems at the ground level. Pruning should be done just before spring growth begins to ensure that sufficient buds remain for flowering. This type of pruning will also help to shape the shrub and ensure air circulation through the center of the plant. Avoid pruning after June as this can remove flower buds for the next season.