Mountain Laurel

Getting Ready to Plant Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that produces clusters of stunning pink or white flowers in late spring. It’s native to wooded areas, so it likes similar conditions in your garden.

Choosing the Right Spot:

• Mountain Laurel loves partial shade. It can handle some sun, but too much direct sunlight can stress the plant.
• Find a spot where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day.

Soil Preparation:

• Mountain Laurel prefers acidic, well-draining soil (like the kind you’d find under pine trees).
• If your soil is heavy clay or not very acidic, mix in some peat moss or pine bark to loosen it up and lower the pH.
• Avoid planting in areas where water pools after rain; soggy roots will cause problems.

What You’ll Need:

• Mountain Laurel plant (usually sold as a young shrub)
• Acidic potting mix or soil amendments like peat moss
• Mulch (pine needles or wood chips work great)
• Watering can or hose

When to Plant:

• The best time to plant Mountain Laurel is in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. This gives the roots time to settle before extreme heat or cold arrives.

How to Plant Mountain Laurel

1. Digging the Hole:
   • Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the container it came in. You don’t want to bury the plant too deep.
2. Preparing the Roots:
   • Gently remove the Mountain Laurel from its container. Loosen the roots a bit if they’re tightly packed—it helps them spread out in their new home.
3. Placing the Plant:
   • Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfilling:
   • Fill the hole back up with the soil mixture you prepared earlier. Gently press down on the soil around the base of the plant to get rid of any air pockets, but don’t pack it too hard.
5. Watering:
   • Give the plant a good drink of water right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots and kickstarts growth.
6. Mulching:
   • Spread a layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches thick) around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem. Mulch keeps the soil cool and moist, which Mountain Laurel loves.

Tip: Don’t pile mulch against the trunk of the plant—this can cause rot. Leave a little space between the mulch and the stem.

Caring for Your Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel doesn’t require a ton of maintenance once it’s established, but there are a few things you can do to keep it healthy and blooming beautifully.

Watering:

• Mountain Laurel likes consistent moisture, especially during its first year while it’s getting settled.
• Check the soil regularly—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. But be careful not to overwater; soggy soil can lead to root rot.
• Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, but occasional watering during dry spells is still helpful.

Fertilizing:

• Use a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants (like those used for azaleas or rhododendrons). Apply it in early spring, just before new growth starts.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize—too much can harm the plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.

Pruning:

• Prune Mountain Laurel after it finishes flowering in late spring or early summer. This encourages new growth and helps maintain its shape.
• Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and thin out overly crowded areas to improve air circulation.

Sunlight:

• Remember, Mountain Laurel prefers partial shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, while too much shade might reduce flowering.
• If you notice the leaves turning yellow, it could mean it’s getting too much sun or not enough nutrients in the soil.

Winter Care:

• Mountain Laurel is generally hardy, but in colder climates, adding extra mulch around the base in winter can help protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Mountain Laurel isn’t typically grown for harvesting since it’s mainly prized for its ornamental value. However, if you're interested in using its flowers for decorative purposes:

When to Pick Flowers:

• The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. They last longer if picked when they’re just starting to open.

How to Pick:

• Use clean pruning shears or scissors to cut the flower stems. Always make the cut just above a leaf node to encourage future growth.

Note: Mountain Laurel flowers and leaves are toxic if ingested, so handle them carefully and keep them away from pets and children. They’re best enjoyed as part of your garden display or in floral arrangements.

Tip: If you’re not picking the flowers, letting them stay on the plant allows birds and pollinators to enjoy them!

Q: Why are my Mountain Laurel leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves can indicate several issues:

• Too much sun: Move the plant to a shadier location if possible.
• Nutrient deficiency: Check the soil pH—it should be slightly acidic. You may need to add an acid-based fertilizer.
• Overwatering: Ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.

Q: Can I grow Mountain Laurel in a pot?

A: Yes, you can grow Mountain Laurel in a large container, but make sure the pot has excellent drainage. Use a mix designed for acid-loving plants, and place the pot in partial shade. Potted plants will need more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Q: My Mountain Laurel isn’t blooming. What’s wrong?

A: A lack of blooms could be due to:

• Not enough sunlight: While Mountain Laurel prefers partial shade, too much shade can prevent flowering.
• Improper pruning: If you prune too late in the season, you might accidentally remove next year’s flower buds.
• Nutrient imbalance: Make sure you’re using a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.

Q: Is Mountain Laurel deer-resistant?

A: Yes, Mountain Laurel is considered deer-resistant because it contains compounds that make it unpalatable to deer. However, in areas with high deer pressure, they might nibble on it if other food sources are scarce.

Q: Can Mountain Laurel survive frost?

A: Mountain Laurel is fairly hardy and can tolerate frost, but prolonged exposure to harsh winter winds can damage the leaves. Adding extra mulch around the base and protecting the plant with burlap during severe winters can help.