Great Laurel

Choosing the Right Spot for Great Laurel

Hey there, plant enthusiast! Great Laurel (or Rhododendron maximum) is a beautiful shrub that thrives in partial shade. Think of it like this: Imagine a forest where sunlight filters through the trees—this is the kind of environment your Great Laurel will love.

Ideal Location:

• Somewhere with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day.
• Avoid full sun, especially in hot climates, as this can scorch the leaves.

Soil Preparation

Great Laurel prefers slightly acidic soil, which you can easily check with a soil pH test kit from your local garden store (look for something around 4.5 to 6.0 pH). If your soil is too alkaline, don’t worry—you can amend it with materials like pine bark or composted leaves.

What You’ll Need:

• Well-draining soil (you can mix in some sand if your soil tends to hold water)
• Organic matter like compost or leaf mold to enrich the soil
• A spade or shovel for digging
• Mulch (pine needles or bark chips work great)

Tip: Great Laurel likes its roots cool and moist, so adding mulch later is essential!

Timing

Spring or early fall is the best time to plant Great Laurel because the temperatures are mild, giving the plant plenty of time to establish its roots before extreme weather hits.

Planting Your Great Laurel

1. Dig the Hole: Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball but not deeper than the height of the root ball. This gives the roots room to spread out without burying them too deep.
2. Prepare the Roots: If your Great Laurel came in a pot, gently loosen the roots by squeezing the sides of the container and tipping the plant out. Loosen any tightly wound roots so they can grow outward.
3. Position the Plant: Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. You don’t want to bury the stem too deeply.
4. Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole back in with a mixture of native soil and organic matter like compost or leaf mold. Gently tamp down the soil as you go to remove air pockets.
5. Water Thoroughly: After planting, give your Great Laurel a good drink of water. This helps settle the soil around the roots and starts the hydration process.

Tip: Make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so balance is key!

Watering

Great Laurel loves consistent moisture but doesn’t like to sit in water. Here’s what to do:

• Check the soil regularly by sticking your finger into it. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• In the first year, water your Great Laurel about once a week (more during hot spells), then taper off as it gets established.

Tip: Morning is the best time to water, as it allows the leaves to dry before evening and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching

Mulch is your Great Laurel’s best friend:

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like pine needles or bark chips) around the base of the plant.
• Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

This keeps the soil cool, retains moisture, and adds nutrients as it breaks down.

Fertilizing

Fertilize sparingly, as over-fertilizing can harm Great Laurel:

• Use a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants (like those labeled for azaleas or rhododendrons).
• Apply in early spring, following the package instructions, and avoid fertilizing late in the season, as new growth might not harden off before winter.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant or remove dead branches:

• Don’t prune too heavily, as Great Laurel blooms on old wood (last year’s growth).
• Just snip back any leggy or unruly stems to keep a nice, tidy shape.

Tip: Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Enjoying the Blooms!

While Great Laurel isn’t a plant you "harvest" in the traditional sense, it rewards you with stunning clusters of white or pale pink flowers in late spring to early summer. These blooms are perfect for enjoying in your garden or even cutting a few stems for indoor arrangements.

When to Expect Flowers:

• Once established (usually after a couple of years), your Great Laurel will start blooming reliably each year.
• The flower clusters can last several weeks, so enjoy the show!

After Flowering:

• Deadhead (remove spent flowers) to keep the plant looking neat and encourage energy to go toward next year’s blooms.
• Simply pinch off the faded flower clusters at the base, being careful not to damage the buds below.

Tip: If you’re growing Great Laurel primarily for its foliage, don’t worry about the flowers—they’re just a bonus!

1. Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Could be due to poor drainage, too much sun, or nutrient deficiency.

Solution: Ensure the soil drains well and isn’t staying soggy. If the plant is in full sun, consider providing more shade. Test the soil pH and adjust if necessary (Great Laurel prefers slightly acidic soil).

2. Leaf Spots

Cause: Fungal infections often caused by overhead watering or poor air circulation.

Solution: Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead, and make sure there’s enough space between plants for air to flow freely. Remove affected leaves and dispose of them (don’t compost them).

3. No Blooms

Cause: Too much shade, improper pruning, or lack of nutrients.

Solution: Make sure your Great Laurel is getting enough filtered sunlight. Avoid heavy pruning, as it blooms on old wood. Fertilize lightly with an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring.

4. Wilting

Cause: Either too much water or not enough.

Solution: Check the soil moisture. If it’s soggy, improve drainage. If it’s dry, increase watering frequency, especially during hot spells.

5. Pests

Cause: Aphids or lace bugs can occasionally bother Great Laurel.

Solution: Rinse the leaves with a strong spray of water to dislodge pests. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the label instructions carefully.